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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://www.archive.org/details/browniesaroundwoOOcoxp 


THE   BROWNIES 

AROUND  THE  WORLD 


BY 
PALMER   COX 


\vt&>±?y*£  WHWB 


PUBLISHED    BY 
THE  CENTURY  CO. 

NEW   YORK 


Copyright,  1892,  1893,  ty  The  Curtis  Publishing  Company; 
Copyright,  1894,  by  The  Century  Co. 


CONTENTS. 


h 


Brownies  in  Canada 


Brownies  Cross  the  Atlantic 


19 


X~r       Brownies  in  Ireland 

V 


29 


Brownies  in  Scotland 


39 


Brownies  in  England 


4s 


Bkownies  in  France 


5S 


Brownies  in  Spain 


Brownies  in  Italy 


75 


Brownies  in  Turkey 


84 


Brownies  in  Egypt 


90 


Brownies  in  Araeia 


Brownies  in  Germany 


96 


104 


Brownies  in  Switzerland 


lKi 


Brownies  ix  Eolland 


Hi 


Brownies  in  Russia 


Brownies  in  China 


120 


Brownies  in  Japan 


Brownies  in  the  Polar  Regions 


131 


135 


OTHHR  BOOKS  BY  PALMER  COX  : 
PUBLISHED  BY  THE  CENTURY  CO. 

THE   BROWNIES: 
THEIR   BOOK 

Quarto,  i  so  pages.      Price,  in   boards,  jji.so. 


ANOTHER 
BROWNIE   BOOK 

Qyarto,   1  so  pages.      Price,  in  boards,  JJi-SO. 


THE  BROWNIES 
AT  HOME 


Quarto,   1  so   pages.      Price,  in  boards,  §i.so. 


THE   BROWNIES 
THROUGH   THE  UNION 

Quarto,   iso  pages.     Price,  in   boards,  $i.so. 


E   BROWNIES    IN    CANADA 

Ferst  Stage. 

HEN  signs  that  mark  the  closing  year 
Began  to  hint  of  winter  near, 
In  leafless  trees,  in  ice-rimmed  pond, 
And  on  the  mountain  peaks  beyond, 
The  Brownies  gathered,  one  and  all, 
In  answer  to  a  general  call. 

All  representatives  of  note 

From  countries  near  and  lands  remote, 

Assembled  fast  at  close  of  day. 

To  lay  their  plans  and  have  their  say. 

No  less  a  scheme  they  had  in  mind 

Than  now,  before  their  powers  declined. 

While  still  they  had  the  strength  to  run. 

The  hearts  to  dare,  and  taste  for  fun. 

To  visit  all  the  nations  wide, 

Around  the  world  on  every  side. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    CANADA. 

Said  one:    "My  comrades  tried  and  true, 
No  picnic  trip  we  have  in  view, 
For  many  a  hardship  must  be  met, 
And  many  a  foot  in  danger  set 
Ere  we  can  reach  the  native  land 
Of  every  member  in  the  band ; 
Strange  accidents  will  cross  our  way 
Of  which  we  little  dream  to-day; 
Strange  modes  of  travel  must  be  found 
Ere  we  can  circle  earth  around. 
With  fortitude  yourselves  equip 
To  serve  you  through  the  trying  trip, 
From  States  that  stretch  from  sea  to  sea, 
The  watchful  wards  of  liberty, 
Through  zones  that  gave  to  Franklin  brave 
And  bold  De  Long  an  icy  grave, 
And  tried  the  nerve  of  Melville  true 
While  rescuing  the  famished  crew, 
Through  lands  enriched  by  Pharaoh's  dust, 
And  cities  baked  in  lava  crust, 
To  where  that  flowery  realm  extends 
On  which  the  world  for  tea  depends." 
At  mention  of  these  far-off  climes, 
Where  they  could  have  such  wondrous  times, 
The  Brownies  smiled,  and  all  the  band 
Were  ready  now  to  lift  a  hand 
And  vote  that  they,  with  willing  hearts, 
Would  make  the  trip  to  foreign  parts  ; 
And  should  misfortunes  sad  and  sore 
Assail  them  on  some  distant  shore, 


THE    BHOWNIEH    IN    CANADA. 

No  blame  would  be  attached  to  those 
Who  did  the  daring  scheme  propose. 
That  night,  before  the  moon  grew  pal 
And  hid  behind  a  western  veil, 
Or  stai's  a  sign  of  falling  showed, 
The  daring  Brownies  took  the  road. 


With  cunning  minds  the  travelers  planned 
To  keep  along  the  northern  strand, 
Until  they  skirted  Baffin's  Bay, 
And  Labrador  behind  them  lay; 
Then  trust  a  raft  and  favoring  breeze 
To  take  them  o'er  dividing  seas, 
Till  on  some  point  of  Europe  east, 
The  hand  would  find  themselves  at  last 
An  easy  task  it  seams,  no  doubt, 
To  mark  a  course  tor  others  out, 
And  every  one  will  understand 
Who  ventures  out  by  sea  or  land, 
That  such  a  trip  would  have  at  best 
Some  trials  that  would  courage  test. 
It  seemed  to  argue  want  of  sense, 
But  in  the  Brownie  hand's  defense 

3 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   CANADA. 

Let  me  remark,  the  Brownie  kind 
Are  not  to  human  powers  confined, 
For  mystic  arts  with  mortal  blend, 
Insuring  triumph  in  the  end. 


Deep  rivers  that  before  them  ran, 
Were  bridged  at  once  with  single  span, 
Tall  saplings  bent  from  top  to  root 
Were  fastened  in  some  way  to  suit, 

i 


Till',    BROWNIEH    IN    CAN  IDA. 


Till  one  by  one,  in  single  file, 
>-X  j&  They  crossed  the  stream  in   Brownie  style. 

Sometimes  a  city  stretched  before, 
Willi  all  its  bustle, 

jam  and  roar ; 


- 

•-•-.■.  -     .    k.    Pi'rl  ',:A>- -         ■      ■  6   tr.      "       -     *-     '.'■ 


Its  busy  mills, 
its  rushing 

trains. 


%m  i 


-■ 


Its  blazing  squares  and.  darksome  lanes; 
Then  Brownies  needs  must  circle  round 
And  dodge  about  for  safer  ground. 
To  thriving  towns  they  hurried  all, 
And  visited  each  church  and  hall, 
And  passed  opinions  freely  still 
On  what  they  saw,  as  Brownies  will; 
Then  London.  Gait,  and  Kingston  old. 
In  turn  received  the  Brownies  bold. 

5 


THE   BROWNIES    IN   CANADA. 


Ttfrouj;!.  fife  but  feu 
Without  some  touch. 

of  luce  , 


To  Ottawa  went  all  the  band 

To  view  each  edifice  so  grand, 

To  Hamilton,  to  Cloderich,  too, 

That  overlooks  Lake  Huron  blue. 

The  Brownies  took  a  hasty  run 

For  observation  and  for  fun. 

Through  streets  that  are  Toronto's  pride 

They  hurried  on  with  hasty  stride, 

Viewed  hanks,  and  buildings  made  to  hold 

The  money  which  is  good  as  gold. 

Looked  through  each  handsome  court  and  square, 

And  market-place  with  special  care. 

My  pen  has  not  the  space  to  praise 

Each  charming  sight  that  drew  their  gaze 

As  on  they  hastened  through  the  land 

Enjoying  scenes  on  every  hand. 

Once  while  they  halted  to  survey 

A  steep  and  grass-grown  mound  of  clay, 

Said  one,  "  This  marks  an  old  redoubt 

Where  once  the  British  kept  lookout, 

When  Uncle  Sam  and  Johnny  Bull 

Had  their  last  interesting  pull, 

Or  tug  of  war,  as  records  show, 

Now  over  eighty  years  ago." 

The  Thousand  Islands  may  be  named 

As  something  that  attention  claimed, 

The  broad  St.  Lawrence  got  its  share 

Of  praise  and  observation  there. 

Said  one,  "This  river  rolling  free, 

Between  the  chain  of  lakes  and  sea, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    CANADA. 


Has  not  an  equal  far  or  near, 

For  water  sparkling  bright  and  clear. 

It  thrills  the  heart  and  charms  the  sight, 

Tims  dancing  on,  as  in  delight, 

To  pom*  its  fresh  and  crystal  flow 

Into  the  ocean  far  below. 


No  wonder  Indians  strewed,  like  stones, 
Along  its  banks  the  settlers1  bones. 
Before  they  'd  leave  a  scene  so  fair 
And  turn  to  seek  a  home  elsewhere. 
The  arm  indeed  might  well  be  strong, 
The  hatchet  heavy,  arrow  long, 
And  scalping-knife  be  ever  keen 
Defending  such  a  lovely  scene. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    CANADA. 

I  think  it  will  not  be  amiss 

Now  while  beside  a  flood  like  this, 

That  we  may  not  again  come  near 

On  pleasure  bound  for  many  a  year, 

For  us  to  take  a  boat  or  two 

And  down  the  stream  our  way  pursue." 

Another  said,  "  We  can  command 

A  naphtha  launch  that 's  near  at  hand. 

'T  will  just  about  contain  the  crowd, 

Yet  every  one  have  space  allowed." 

Cried  one,  "  That  suits  us  to  a  T ! 

At  engineering  trust  to  me, 

I  've  had  some  practice  at  the  art 

And  well  can  undertake  the  part." 

Another  said,  "  I  '11  steer  her  straight 

Between  the  rocks  or  islands  great, 

While  all  on  board  can  take  their  rest 

Nor  be  with  creeping  fears  oppressed." 

It  was  not  long  until  the  boat 

Set  out  with  every  one  afloat. 

Some  chanced  a  little  skiff  to  find, 

And  this  was  soon  attached  behind, 

And  those  were  lucky,  so  they  thought, 

Who  in  that  way  a  passage  sought. 

They  sailed  along  with  joke  and  smile, 

And  much  enjoyed  every  mile, 

Until  some  foaming  crests  appeared 

That  told  of  rapids  that  they  neared. 

The  current  was  by  far  too  strong 

And  wild  for  them  to  right  the  wrong. 

8 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    CAN  \l>.\. 


Their  hope  lay  nol   in  turning  back, 
Bui   now  1"  keep  the  safesl   track. 
The  helmsman  stood  well  to  his  tasl 
Nor  had  he  need  for  help  to  ask. 
A  dozen  members  of  the  crew 
Were   quirk    to   tell    him    what   to   do. 


^v  v\ 


Now  round  the  islands,  left  and  right 
He  steered  the  craft  with  wondrous  might, 
Now  grazing  banks,  now  scraping  stones. 
While  rose  the  cries,  the  shrieks  and  groans 

9 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   CANADA. 

Of  frightened  Brownies,  who  were  thrown 
Into  the  greatest  panic  known. 
At  length  there  came  a  fearful  shock  — 
The  launch  had  centered  on  a  rock, 
In  spite  of  all  the  sage  commands, 
And  left  a  wreck  upon  their  hands. 
Just  then,  to  much  increase  then*  woe, 
The  boiler  made  a  stir  below, 

As  far  too  often  is  the  case 

When  some  mishap  has  taken  place. 

'T  was  well  the  boiler  had  its  bed 
Located  aft  where  things  could  spread 
Without  destroying  all  the  host 
That  to  the  bows  had  crowded  most. 
Those  who  were  sitting  on  the  rail 
Went  upward  like  a  flock  of  quail, 
While  those  aboard  the  skiff  had  soon 
Then  bearing  changed  to  strike  the  moon, 
And  quickly  learned  that  lunar  ride 
Had  much  then  trouble  magnified. 
A  watery  grave  had  been  the  lot 
Of  half  the  band  if  they  had  not 
Been  blessed  with  supernatural  power 
That  stood  them  well  in  hand  that  hour. 

Some  had  to  swim,  and  some  to  dive, 
More  held  to  planks  to  keep  alive, 
For  swift  the  river  swept  along 
Upon  its  course  with  action  strong. 


THE    BROWNIES    IX    (AXADA. 


ilsa^e  draws  on  apace 
Still  l;eaver)u>ard  lift  jyourfnce 


I  [owever  bad  I  he  rip  or  break 

The  Brownies  don'1  their  ship  forsake, 

Till  they've  exhausted  all  the  means 

Known  both  to  landsmen  and  marines, 

That  they  may   have   within    their  reach 

To  bring  her  safely  to  the  beach. 

The  Brownies  gained  the  wreck  at  last 

That  still  was  sticking  hard  and  fast. 

Then  in  the  quickest  way  they  could 

They  patched  it  up  with   hits  of  wood, 

With  caps  and  jackets  calked  the  seams 

And  spliced  the  shattered  ribs  and  beams, 

Then,  launching  it  adrift  once  more, 

They  worked  it  to  the  nearest  shore. 

Thus  on  they  traveled  mile  by  mile, 

With  many  jokes  and  laughs  the  while. 

A  river  widened  to  a  bay 

At  times  occasioned  some  dismay, 

And  seemed  to  bring  to  sudden  end 

The  trip  they  gladly  would  extend, 

Till  one  was  quick  to  raise  the  cry 

"We  're  all  right  yet,  some  boats  I  spy 

Here  lying  on  the  weedy  shore. 

Let  some  take  rudder,  some  take  oar, 

And  soon  we  '11  travel  where  we  please 

In  spite  of  current,  tide,  or  breeze ! " 

At  once  they  rushed  a  seat  to  find, 

For  no  one  wished  to  stay  behind. 

And  while  they  rowed  the  boats  along 

The  hand  united  in  a  song: 
11 


THE   BBOWNIES   IN   CANADA. 

"A  happy  Brownie  band  are  we, 

Prepared  for  daring  deeds, 

We  ramble  boldly,  far  and  free, 

Wberever  fancy  leads. 

For  us  the  forest  spreads  its  leaves 

And  throws  a  shade  below, 

For  us  its  screen  the  ivy  weaves, 

And  ferns  and  mosses  grow. 

The  children  strain 

Their  eyes  in  vain 
To  see  a  Brownie  sprite, 

For  those  that  find 

The  Brownie  kind 
Must  have  a  second  sight. 


"  For  us  the  plantain-leaves  are  wide 

Enough  to  cover  two, 

For  ns  the  stars  at  eventide 

Trim  all  their  lamps  anew. 

And  quickly  we  can  slip  away 

When  they  forsake  the  sky, 

Or  keen,  observing  children  stray 

Around  with  prying  eye. 

We  hide  from  all, 

Both  large  and  small, 
By  day  as  well  as  night. 

Ah !   none  can  see 

A  Brownie  wee 
Who  has  not  second  sight.'" 

12 


I'll  I :    BROWNIES    IN'    CANADA. 


Still  hastening  on,  with  ardor  keen, 
They  ran  i  he  rapids  of  Lachine 
In  boats  thai   threatened  hard  al   time 
To  brine  an  end  to  ;ill  tnv  rhymes 


- :Pm 


^ 


S  fiilM/i 


1  i 


mm 


-mm' 


*f«I  Cox< 


A 


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'   'IP 


By  giving  up  the  Brownie  band 
To  the  St.  Lawrence  River  grand ; 
To  roll  them  on  witli  crazy  flow 
Into  the  ocean  far  below. 

At  Montreal  they  paused  awhile 
To  note  its  size  and  ancient  style, 
And  from  Mount  Royal  to  survey 
The  leveled  land  that  round  them  lay 
Then  ran  to  see  the  shaft  of  stone 
That  in  a  central  place  is  shown 
Surmounted  by  the  gallant  tar 
Who  won  and  died  at  Trafalgar, 

13 


THE    BROWNIES   IN    CANADA. 

Then,  walking  on  the  roof  or  ridge, 
They  crossed  the  long  Victoria  Bridge 
From  end  to  end,  not  trusting  to 
The  road  inside,  for  well  they  knew 
The  trains  that  thundered  to  and  fro 
Were  every  hour  on  the  go. 
To  Granby  next  they  quickly  ran, 
The  birthplace  of  the  Brownie  man. 
By  tiny  streams  they  sat  and  smiled, 
in  which  he  angled  when  a  child, 
On  Shefford  Mountain  stood  to  gaze 
Where  oft  he  climbed  in  youthful  days. 
Thus  went  the  band 

the  country  through 
Enjoying  all  that 

met  then*  view. 
Those  who  can  only 

show  a  nose 
Abroad  at  night, 

you  may  suppose, 
Have  watchful  times 

in  keeping  clear 
Of  dangers  that 

with  light  appear. 
But  still  the 

Brownies  worked 
their  way 
At  night  alone, 

while  through 
the  day 


Till'.    BKOWNIKS    IN    (ANAPA. 


They  kepi   some  place 

t liiil   served  them  well 
Until  the  shades 

of  evening  fell. 
At   Length  (L>ucl>rc 

appeared  in  sight,         >>T-; 
Perched  high  upon  ''^ffih*  g£^  \IU 

flic  rocky  height. 
With  cannon  pointing 

down  below, 
In  many  a  scrim 


&&(? 


jdBE^ayiL 


To  guard  the  river  deep  and  wide 
That  stretched  away  to  ocean  tide. 
Through  narrow  streets  the  Brownies  bound 
That  in  the  lower  town  are  found. 
And  then  with  nimble  feet  they  fly 
To  reach  the  upper  town  so  high. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    CANADA. 


J:;v; 


Said  one,  who  paused  to  look  around  : 
"My  friends,  we  tread  historic  ground; 
'T  was  up  this  path,  so  rough  and  steep, 
The  British  did  at  midnight  creep, 
With  guns  unloaded  in  then'  hands, 
Obedient  to  the  strict  commands, 
For  fear  an  accidental  shot 
Might  bring  the  Frenchmen  to  the  spot. 
Full  in  the  van,  with  bated  breath, 
Brave  Wolfe  ascended  to  liis  death, 
While  Montcalm,  trusting  guards  to  keep 
A  careful  watch,  took  his  last  sleep  ! 
For  lo !    the  early  dawn  revealed 
The  red  coats  stationed  in  the  field ; 
The  Plains  of  Abraham  were  bright 
With  troops  all  marshaled  for  the  fight 
I  will  not  here  the  tale  intrude 
About  the  battle  that  ensued 
Of  rallying  ranks,  when  hope  was  low, 
Or  brilliant  charges  to  and  fro. 
On  history's  pages  read  you  may 
How  fell  the  heroes  of  that  day ; 


THE    BIN  >W  \ll.s    |\    (   \\  \|»\. 

And   how,  ere  shades  of  uighl   came  down, 
The  I  * ji i<  n i  Jack  waved  o'er  the  town." 
Wlrile  fcln'ough  Canadian   wilds  they  passed 
Where  snow  was  piled  Like   mountains  vast, 
They  look  to  snow-shoes  Long  and  stout, 
Willi  their  own   hands  well   fashioned  out- 


THE    BROWNIES   IN    CANADA. 

As  when  a  club  strives  for  a  prize, 

A  bowl,  or  cup  of  handsome  size, 

And  every  member  does  his  best 

To  keep  ahead  of  all  the  rest, 

So  every  Brownie  struggled  well 

His  puffing  comrades  to  excel; 

But  shoes  would  sometimes  hit  or  hitch, 

And  headlong  down  the  mountain  pitch 

The  very  ones  that  seemed  to  show 

The  greatest  speed  upon  the  snow. 

So  he  that  for  some  distance  ran, 

A  smiling  leader  in  the  van, 

Would  thus  be  thrown  clear  out  of  gear 

And  left  to  struggle  in  the  rear, 

But  best  of  feelings  governed  still 

The  lively  race  o'er  plain  and  hill. 


THE   BROWNIES   0R<  >SS 

THE    ATLANTIC. 


Second  Stage. 

TILL  farther  north  the  Brownie  band 
Pursued  their  way  across  the  strand 
To  where  the  sea,  with  capes  and  isles, 
Is  narrowed  to  one  thousand  miles. 
And  here  they  planned  some  logs  to  rind. 
And  build  a  raft  of  strongest  kind. 
On  which  they  all  might  safely  ride, 
Until  they  reached  the  eastern  side. 
And  then  continue  on  their  way 
Through  foreign  lands  without  delay. 

Said  one  :  ''At  this  time  of  the  year 

The  eurrents  eastward  set  from  here; 

And  if  our  raft  but  holds  together. 

And  we  are  blessed  with  pleasant  weather, 

Within  a  fortnight,  at  the  most, 

We  '11  surely  reach  the  Norway  coast." 

Another  said:    "Somewhat  I  know 

About  that  ocean's  ebb  and  flow, 

And  tell  you,  ere  you  court  such  ills 

You  \\  all  do  well  to  make  your  wills. 

19 


THE   BROWNIES    CROSS    THE   ATLANTIC. 

However,  if  we  fail  to  reach 
Norwegian  soil,  we  '11  find  some  beach 
That  to  our  raft  may  kinder  be 
Than  Norway's  rocks  or  maelstrom  sea." 
Tims  well  encouraged  at  the  start, 
Tbey  soon  prepared,  through  mystic  art, 
A  wide  affair,  where  each  could,  rest, 
And  sit  or  stand  as  pleased  him  best, 
While  trusting  with  a  patient  heart 
The  ocean  to  perform  its  part. 


Said  one :   "  No  state-rooms  we  '11  provide 
Wherein  a  favored  few  can  hide, 
Nor  make  a  hold  or  steerage  deep 
Where  some  in  dangerous  times  might  creep; 
But  all  alike,  through  storm  or  wreck, 
Must  take  their  chances  on  the  deck." 
With  willing  hands,  in  maimer  fine 
To  carry  out  their  grand  design, 


At  work  the  active  Brownies  stayed, 
Until  the  strange  concern  was  made. 
Of  leatherwood  and  various  things 
They  manufactured  ropes  and  strings, 
Which  served  them  well  for  many  a  day 
With  stores  and  rope-walks  far  away. 
With  prospects  fine  the  trip  began, 
The  sea  with  even  motion  ran, 
And  straight  for  Europe,  as  a  crow 
Could  wing  its  way,  the  Brownies  go  ; 


THE    BROWNIES   CROSS   THE    ATLANTIC. 

Ami  as  I  bey  .-Hided  mile  to  mile, 
Their  pleasant   ehai   went   on  the  while. 


At  times  they  sighted  far  ahead 
A  ship  with  all  her  canvas  spread. 
"Lie  low!"  would  be  the  shout,  and  all 
Upon  the  raft  would  promptly  sprawl. 
And  there  as  fiat  as  flounders  lie. 
For  fear  the  lookout's  watchful  eye 

21 


THE   BROWNIES   CROSS   THE   ATLANTIC. 

Would  take  them  for  a  shipwrecked  crew 

Thus  drifting  round  on  ocean  blue. 

At  such  a  time  down  quickly  came 

Their  banner  with  the  Brownie  name, 
Concealed  from  sight  to  rest  a  space 
Till  they  could  safely  give  it  place.- 
For  hours  without  a  stir  they  'd  stay, 
Until  the  ship  woidd  tack  away 
Upon  her  course,  and  pass  from  sight, 
And  leave  them  free  to  stand  upright. 
But  few  on  any  craft  can  ride 
Upon  the  north  Atlantic  tide 
And  not  some  scenes  or  trials  find 
To  ever  after  hear  in  mind. 

And  soon  the  wind  began  to  play 

With  billows  in  no  tender  way ; 

But  pitched  them  up  into  the  air 

To  meet  the  clouds  that  lowered  there. 

'T  is  bad  enough  to  stand  on  board 

A  ship  with  life-preservers  stored 

And  count  the  minutes  passing  by 

Ere  you  their  saving  strength  must  try; 


But  harder  for  the  Brownie  band 
Upon  that  creaking  raft  to  stand. 
And  know,  if  in  the  sea  they  rolled, 
No  buoyant  cork  would  them  uphold. 
Said  one,  as  glancing  fore  and  aft 
He  tried  to  keep  upon  the  raft, 


THE    BROWNIES   CROSS   THE   ATI. AN  lie. 

"The  artist   paints,  and  poel    raves 
About   the  ocean's  tinted   waves, 
But,  Lei   me  tell  you,  when  you  stand 
'Twixt  sky  and  water,  far  from  Land, 
Wit  1 1  gales  behind  and  squalls  before, 
And  angry  ocean  in   full  roar, 
You're  not  so  likely  to  'enthuse' 
About    its  'cradles,'  or  its  hues. 

The  sea,   indeed,  since  early  days, 
Has   had   its  strange,  uncertain   ways: 
With  pleasant   calms  that   still  invite 
You  from  the  shore  in  spirits  light, 
It  leads  you  on,  while  scarce  appears 
A  rip] >le  to  awaken  fears. 
But  when  far  out  upon  the  main 
Where  wishes  and  regrets  are  vain, 
Into  a  boiling  rage  it  goes 
And  neither  sense  nor  pity  shows, 
But  jumps  around  in  manner  dread, 
As  if  to  find  another  bed. 

If  at  the  first  the  world  "was  planned 
To  have  a  greater  stretch  of  land, 
And  less  expanse  of  treacherous  sea. 
It  would  have  better  suited  me." 
Another  said,   "My  friend,  I  fear 
Such  carping  won't  avail  you  here; 
Pray  keep  a  surer  hold,  you  M  best. 
And  let  the  world's  formation  rest. 
Few  joys  through  life  one  may  obtain 
That  are  not  balanced  well  with  pain, 


THE   BROWNIES    CROSS   THE    ATLANTIC. 


^CTNr^Sl 


It  may  be  suffering 

of  the  frame, 
Or  of  the  mind, 

't  is  all  the  same. 
You  can't  through  foreign 

countries  roam 
And  have  the  comforts 

of  a  home  ; 
You  can't  lie  under 

leafy  trees 
And  at  the  same  time 

sail  the  seas. 
Too  late  you  rave 

of  grass  and  flower; 
Now  that  you  're  in 

old  Neptune's  power 
You  11  more  appreciate 

the  land 
When  you  again 

upon  it  stand." 
The  air  with  birds 

and  fish  was  filled, 
Tossed  'round  as  wind 

and  water  willed. 


THE    BROWNTEH   CliOSH   THE    ATLANTIC. 


Thus  talk  wont 
on  with 
ready  tongue, 
As  still  the 
Bvownies  stuck 
and  clung. 
Ofttimes  in 
close  embrace 
well  locked 
Across  tlie  raft 
they  reeled 
and  rocked 
Beneath  the 
overwhelming 
stroke 
Of  crested 
waves  that 
on  them  oroke. 
Ofttimes  some 

demon  of  the  sea 
High  in  the  air 
would   lifted  he. 


i-,l  I.,  icll  wli.'ii   swam  or  flew, 
1  transil   all  things  knew; 
bring,  tail  first,  on  their  way, 

d  i  trough  t  be  spray, 

line,-  scales  ami   feat  hers   long 
i  ne  gale  so  si  rong. 


THE   BROWNIES    CROSS   THE    ATLANTIC. 


And,  passing  over  raft  and  crew, 

His  journey  through  the  waves  renew. 


Tin:    BKOWNIEH   i  Kiiss   THE    A  I  I. AN  I  [< I. 

At    times  the  urew  was  Frightened   well 
When  sharks  or  grampus  splashing  tell 
Where  mighty  waves  did   mastery  win 
1  n  spite  of  I  \\  isl  big  tail  or  tin  ; 
Then  plowing  round   from  side  to  side 
The  visitor  would  slip  and  slide, 
Till,  to  the  greal    relief  of  fish 
And  harmonizing  with  the  wish 
Of  every  Brownie,  down  he  went 
Into  his  natural  element. 


'T  was  well  the  ropes  and  hawsers  stood 
They  made  of  birch  or  leatherwood, 

For  had  they  parted  in  that  strain. 
When  consternation  seemed  to  reign, 
'T  is  hard  to  estimate  the  loss 
That  might  have  followed  such  a  toss. 


But  winds  go  down,  if  one  can  last 
To  be  around  when  all  is  passed, 
So  waves  grew  still,  the  fearful  squall 
Had  spent  its  force,  and  best  of  all, 
Though  out  of  shape  the  raft  was  tossed 
And  logs  were  broken,  others  lost. 
When  that  distressing  storm  was  through 
Not  one  was  missing  from  the  crew. 
But  while  the  waves  around  them  played 
The  Brownie  band  good  time  had  made. 
For  now.  when  calm  the  ocean  grew, 
A  tract  of  land  was  plain  in  view. 


THE   BROWNIES    CROSS    THE   ATLANTIC. 


And 
They 
And 
They 


One  cried:  "'T  is  Norway's  rugged  strand!" 
More  said :  "  It 's  not  so  wild  a  land. 
1T  is  more  inviting  to  the  eyes 
Than  shores  where  frowning  Norway  lies." 
But  as  't  was  land  they  needed  most 
They  made  all  haste  to  reach  the  coast, 
And  by  the  greenness  of  the  sod 
They  thought  old  Erin's  soil  they  trod, 

when  a  shamrock  next  they  found 

knew  their  first  surmise  was  sound. 

with  a  hip,  hip,  hip,  hurrah ! 

gave  three  cheers  for  "  Erin  go  bragh." 


Upon  tjje  land  as  or;  fye  deep 
A  sljarp  lookout  tlje  ujise  u;ill  hjeep 


THE   BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 


Tiiii;i>  Stag i-:. 

Brownie  band  stopped  for  a  while 
To  ramble  through  The  Emerald  Isle. 
Said  one;  "This  land  from  shore  to  shor 
Is  noted  for  its  fairy  lore. 
There  's  not  a  child,  or  type  of  age 
Howe'er  unlearned  in  lettered  page, 
But  can  relate  some  legend  queer 
About  the  fairies'  doings  here. 

Old  women,  with  a  shaking  head. 

Can   mumble  stories  dark  and   dread 

Of  midnight  cries  by  window-sill 

Or  chimney-top  that  boded  ill; 

Or  in  a  lighter  mood  can  tell 

How  fairies  wish  young  couples  well, 

And  mounted  on  a  nodding  weed. 

That  serves  them  nicely  for  a  steed. 

They  ride  before  to  clear  the  way 

Of  dangers  on  their  wedding  day. 
29 


Hands  r<;ay  notujitbcJold 
be  lined  ' 
Still  do  tbeir  part  at  seruice 
Kind- 


THE  BROWNIES   EN   IRELAND. 


No  horse  will  stumble  on  the  road, 
No  wheel  come  off  and  dump  a  load, 
But  light  of  heart 

and  undismayed 
They  travel  by 

the  fairies'  aid." 
Ere  long  each  Brownie 

in  the  band 


shillalah  in  his  hand 
thorn  bushes  did  provide, 
ished  thick  on  every  side, 
as  men  oft  carried  there 
hght  or  fair, 
fall  on  tender  crowns 
cleared  the  towns, 
they  took  the  road, 
the  country  showed. 


Bore  a 

That  black- 

Which  flour 

Such  sticks 

To  use  at  faction- 

That  through  their 

Of  timid  folk  soon 

A  happy  hand, 

Enjoying  scenes 

At  times  they  paused 

upon  the  wa\ 

In  verdant  fields 

to  run  and  play, 

Some  gathered  shamrocks — 

well  they  could, 

For  thick  on  every  side  they  stood. 

Said  one :  "  This  plant  so  widely  known 

Has  quite  a  history  of  its  own, 

For  we  are  told  that  long  ago, 

Ere  Erin  did  religion  know, 

The  good  old  saint  with  one,  in  brief, 

Brought  to  his  knees  a  barbarous  chief. 

30 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    I  KI.I.AND. 


>#!kaJ 


tfc,  "•^|»^»;„«S)■^»■'''"■ 


He  plucked  a  shamrock  from  the  ground 

And  proved  to  him,  with  logic  sound. 
That,  three  in  one  and  one  in  three, 
It  symbolized  the  Trinity." 
They  thought  to  ride  to  Mullingar 
From  Bantry  in  a  jaunting-car. 

But  it  was  hardly  tit  to  hold 
So  large  a  hand  of  Brownies  hold, 
A  mishap  came  to  them  to  mar 
Their  pleasure  ere  they  journeyed  far 
They  might  have  made  the  trip  complete 
And  each  have  kept  his  place  or  seat 
Did  not  a  linch-pin  break  or  bend" 
And  give  the  wheel  a  chance  to  end 
A  partnership  existing  long 
Between  it  and  the  axle  strong. 
And  soon  that  dissolution  showed 
A  pile  of  Brownies  on  the  road. 
And  others  who  were  forced  to  slide 
Into  a  ditch  with  mud  supplied. 
Some  to  the  donkey  shouted  "  Whoa  ! 
But   he  was  in   no  shape  to  go. 


come  aid  jjo 
Wljile  uje  sojourn  Ijere 
beiouj. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   IRELAND. 

The  creature,  that  was  none  too  sure 
Upon  his  feet,  could  not  endure 


^^iTC/jrox 


The  unexpected  shock  and  shake, 
That  came  when  things  began  to  break ; 
So  feeling  that  his  days  were  told 
He  with  the  Brownies  helpless  rolled. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    CRELAND. 


Some  left   the  cultivated  sod, 

Ami  on  the  imtilled  hillocks  trod— 

Those  mounds  thai    rise  in  certain  lands, 

Built   up,  '1  is  said,  by  fairy  hands, 

And  still  held  sacred  to  the  fay 

And  Leprechawn  ;d   present  day. 

Some  ran  upon  the  springy  bogs, 
Or  looked  in  vain   for  snakes  and  frogs. 
Said  one:  "St.  Patrick,  sure  enough, 
As  legends  tell  us,  used  them  rough; 
First  laid  upon  the  rogues  a  curse, 
And  then,  to  make  their  lot  the  worse. 
With  blackthorn  stick  and  brogue  combined 
Made  short   work  of  the  reptile  kind. 

The  serpents  wriggled  from  the  shore 

To  hiss  upon  the  soil  no  more  ; 

Tlu'  frogs  jumped  off  in  frightened  bands 

To  tune  their  pipes  in   other  lands. 

And   Erin,  to  this  day,  you  see. 

From  every  one  of  them  is  free." 


'^Wf^ft^fe 


They  sailed  upon   Killamey's  lakes. 
Where  every  wave  in  silver  breaks, 

33 


THE    BROWNIES    IN   IRELAND. 


And  all  the  hills  around  so  green 
Reflected  in  the  floods  are  seen. 


7N 


imiir 
Wmsam 


Then  in  the  Druid's  temple  old 
They  stood,  and  many  a  story  told 
Ahout  the  people's  rites  and  ways 
And  curious  myths  of  ancient  days. 
One  night  they  saw  a  dozen  spats 
Between  some  large  Kilkenny  cats, 
That,  to  the  old  tradition  true, 
Fought  till  the  hair  in  patches  flew. 


Provoked  to  see  a  temper  wild, 
In  pets  that  should  be  meek  and  mild, 
The  Brownies  broke  upon  the  fray 
And  scattered  them  in  every  way. 

34 


THE    BROWNIEH    IN    EKELAND. 


Said  one  :  "  Nol   often  are  we  found 
Thus  waging  war  on  things  around. 
I  '.ill    here  's  ;i  ease  I  ba1   does  demand 
Some  speeial  treatmenl   from  the  ban 
Ami  we  l>ui   exercise  our  power 
So  folks  may  have  a  peaceful  hour. 


As  for  ourselves,  we*  little  car< — 

A  wakeful   night    we  well   can    hear; 

But  those  who  labor  hard  all  day 
Their  bread  to  win,  or  rent  to  pay. 
Should  have  a  chance  to  sleep  at    aight, 
And  rise  refreshed  at  morning  light." 


To  Cork  they  traveled  from  Athlone 
And  hunted  for  the  Blarney  Stone. 
At  length  they  found  it  in  its  place 
And  kissed  it  with  becoming  grace. 
From  first  to  last  they  did  n*t  rest 
Till  each  his  lips  against  it  pressed. 
It  did  their  nerve  and  courage  try 
As  every  one  could  testify. 
'T  was  bad  enough  like  owls  to  hold 
A  footing  on  the  ruins  old. 
Where  all  the  stones  seemed   ripe  to  go 
In  showers  to  the  lawn  below. 

35 


THE   BBOWNIES   IN   IRELAND. 

But  worse  than  clinging  vines,  and  all 

The  dangers  of  the  crumbling  wall, 

To  find  the  stone  there  at  the  tip 

So  inconvenient  to  the  lip. 

No  wonder  then  the  heart  heat  fast 

And  through  the  head  misgivings  passed, 


While  hanging 
To  reach  the 
But  willing 
To  the  anibi- 


o'er  the  parapet 

stone  so  strangely  set. 
hands  assistance  gave 
tious  and  the  brave, 


Or  favors  might  have  gone  amiss 
On  stones  unworthy  of  the  kiss. 


And  then  in  pleasant  frame  of  mind 
They  started  off  again  to  find 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    [RELAND. 


The  Giant's  Causeway,  high  and  grand, 
The  greatest  wonder  in  the  land. 
Around  the  place  the  Brownies  strayed 
And  freely  thus  some  comments  made  : 
"  This  way,  that  does  so  strangely  rise 
Like  organ  pipes  of  monster  size 
All  turned  to  stone,  once  formed  a  road 
On  which  the  giants  often  strode. 
The  story  goes  that  long  ago 
They  traveled  boldly  to  and  fro, 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    IRELAND. 

And  thus  passed  o'er  the  marshy  ground 
That  did  then*  castle  walls  surround. 
The  last  one  of  the  giant  race, 
'T  is  said,  here  found  a  resting-place ; 
For  here  the  giant,  with  a  sack 
Of  plunder  bundled  on  his  back, 
Fell  from  the  road  one  stormy  night, 
And  in  the  bog  sank  out  of  sight. 
The  people  living  hereabout 
Were  not  inclined  to  help  him  out, 
But  watched  him  sinking  with  his  prog 
And  named  the  place  the  '  Giant's  Bog.' " 
Another  said :  "  'T  is  strange,  I  hold, 
No  searcher  after  relics  old 
Has  ever  brought  around  a  spade 
And  here  an  excavation  made 
To  bring  the  giant's  bones  to  light, 
And  have  them  set  on  wires  aright, 
So  people  for  all  time  might  stare 
Upon  a  skeleton  so  rare." 
So  thus  they  talked  and  rambled  free 
The  wonders  of  the  land  to  see. 


38 


THE    BROWNIES 


IN  SCOTLAND. 


Fourth  Stage. 

time  the  band  of  Brownies  bright 
Reached  Scottish  soil  in  great  delight. 
They  traveled  many  miles  to  see 
Where  Macbeth  met  the  witches  three 
While  he  returned  from  battle-plain 
A  hero  free  from  sinful  stain. 
Though  centuries  their  flight  had  ta'en 
Between  the  poet  and  the  Thane, 
And  centuries  away  had  rolled 
Since  that  dramatic  tale  was  told, 
The  Brownies,  with  unwearied  pace, 
Approached  ere  long  the  secret  place. 
Said  one  :   "  This  is  the  very  spot 
The  witches  danced  around  the  pot, 
And  stirred  the  broth  that  was  designed 
To  poison  an  ambitious  mind, 
And  to  the  surface  omens  bring 
To  whisper  of  a  future  king." 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   SCOTLAND. 

Another  said  :  "  1T  is,  sure  enough ; 

I  fancy  I  can  smell  the  stuff, 

And  on  the  heath  behind  this  hill 

See  traces  of  their  fire  still, 

O'er  which  they  boiled  the  horrid  mess 

That  brought  about  so  much  distress. 


The  '  eye  of  newt  and  toe  of  frog ' 

Soon  gave  poor  Scotland  such  a  jog, 

Young  heads  grew  old  and  black  ones  gray 

Before  she  knew  a  peaceful  day." 

The  mention  of  those  stirring  times 

Soon  brought  to  mind  the  witches'  rhymes, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN   SCOTLAND 


As  there,  with  many  ;i  bop  and  squat, 
They  danced  around  the  bubbling  pot. 
So,  joining  hands  upon  thai  ground, 
Some  Brownies  danced  a  merry  round 

Willi  "Thrice  to  thine  and  thrice  to  mil 

According  to  the  magic  line, 
While  smiles  the  width  of  faces  tried 
As  comrades  formed  a  circle  wide 
To  see  with  what  a  show  of  art 
The  actors  would  perform  their  part. 


Then  off  to  other  points  they  strayed 
And  many  a  famous  scene  surveyed. 


! 

! 


*v-:V 


1        ■■'■'  "''■'.. 


A  view  of  Edinburgh  they  gained, 

Then*  feet  were  still  and  eyes  were  strained 

As  they  took  in  the  pleasing  sight 

That  caused  both  wonder  and  delight. 


4* 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    SCOTLAND. 


Through  mystic  power 

they  found  their  way 
To  rugged  castles 

old  and  gray, 
They  crowded  every  foot 

of  space 
Where  coronations 
once  took 
place ; 
Upon  the  ancient       \  seat  they 

crawled 
Where  royalty  was  oft 

installed. 
Said  one :  "  This  is  no  doubt 

the  chair 
Where  kings  received 

the  crown  to  wear, 
Which  proved  a  signal  for  attacks 
That  soon  laid  monarehs  on  their  backs. 
Short  was  their  shrift,  small  joy  they  found, 
From  having  been  as  sovereigns  crowned. 


'T  was  but  a  step 

A  rough  one,  too, 

If  but  one  care 

Relating  to  that      ? 

Then  secret  plots 

And  heirs  apparent 

Then  dirk  or  dagger,  ax  or  brand, 

Whate'er  lay  nearest  to  the  hand, 


from  throne  to  bier, 

as  doth  appear, 

to  read  the  page 

murderous  age. 

were  planned  each  night 

passed  from  sight, 


IUOWNIES    l\    SCOTLAND. 


Was  used,  a  wished  for  change  to  brinj 
And  rid  I  he  eounl  ry  of  a   king." 


The  Brace's  sword,  so  long  and  large 

Well  made  to  split  a  casque  or  targe, 

Was  hefted  with  respectful  hand 

By  every  member  of  the  band. 

Said  one:   "No  wonder  foes  gave  out 
When  such  a  blade  was  swung  about, 

j^>       Or  for  Ins  crown  and  Scotland's  righl 

He  brouglrl   it  down   with  all  bis  might." 


Gray  Ben  Venue  was  reached  at  last, 
And  famous  woods  and  fords  wen-  passed. 

"Tins  is,"  said  one,  "the  Trosach's  dell 

Where  once,  with  such  a  fiendish  yell 

Clan  Alpine  sallied  from  the  glen 

Upon  the  frightened  archer  men. 

But,  lacking  Roderick's  bugle  blast 

To  cheer  them  on,  as  in  the  past. 

Were  cheeked  by  Moray's  lancers  brave 

And  tumbled  back  into  their  grave." 

To  fair  Loch  Katrine  next  they  paid 

A  visit,  and  around  it  strayed. 

And  had  there  been  a  barge  at  hand 

No  doubt  they  would  have  shoved  from  land. 

43 


It  should  awe  pleasure 

to  us  all 
lo  tu'cl  the  ueaH  or  those 


THE    BKOWNIES   IN    SCOTLAND. 

Wild  Caledonia,  rich  in  scenes 

Might  well  tax  even  Brownies'  means 

Of  getting  round  and  seeing  all 

The  places  worthy  of  a  call. 

They  traveled  far  and  traveled  wide, 

To  fields  and  mountains  every  side, 

To  lakes  and  streams,  and  castles  strong 

Made  famous  by  immortal  song. 

While  resting  on  a  structure  old 

Which  spanned  a  stream  that  swiftly  rolled, 

Said  one  :  "  This  is  the  town  of  Ayr, 

And  this  the  bridge,  I  do  declare, 

To  which  the  screeching  witches  came 

When  Tarn  O'Shanter  was  their  game. 

The  kirk  that  stands  beyond  the  trees 

Is  where  they  sallied  out  like  bees, 

And  put  the  gray  mare  to  her  most 

To  save  O'Shanter  from  a  roast. 


Close  at  his  back,  with  shout  and  jeer, 
They  chased  him  to  the  keystone  here, 
But  farther  than  this  spot  they  dare 
Not  follow  either  Tarn  or  mare." 
Then  one,  who  measured  with  his  eyes 
The  distance,  thus  expressed  surprise : 
"  It  puzzles  me,  that  stormy  night, 
When  roads  were  muddy,  lightning  bright, 
And  all  the  witches,  howling  mad, 
Were  at  the  time  so  lightly  clad, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    SCOTLAND. 


How  Tarn's  old  mare,  the  t  nil  h  to  t 
Could  keep  ahead  of  them  so  well." 


Milfllfa 

Kill  liiiliS* 


Oft  funis  H,nf  soar 

tljs  best 

Rise  from  the  bordejt 

Jiest . 


Then  to  the  humble  cottage  small 

Where  Burns  was  Lorn,  they  hastened  all. 

To  talk  about  the  noted  spot 

That  is  revered  by  every  Scot. 

Said  one:  "A  lowly  home,  in  truth. 
Where  that  bright  poet  passed  his  youth. 
Which  proves  that  genius,  now  and  then. 
Is  not  confined  to  high-horn  men, 
But  through  mysterious  ways  divine 
In  humble  souls  finds  room  to  shine." 
With  bagpipes  in  then  arms,  in  pairs, 
They  marched  and  played  sweet  Scottish  airs 


THE    BROWNIES   IN   SCOTLAND. 


Like  "Annie  Laurie,"  "  Bonnie  Doon,-; 
And  many  a  soul-inspiring  tune. 
It  chanced  to  be  the  time  of  year 
When  ice  was  spread  on  stream  and  mere, 
And  hardy  Scotchmen  strained  their  bones 
And  muscles,  shoving  curling-stones, 
And  made  the  very  hills  applaud, 
Or  echo  back  their  language  broad. 

The  Brownies,  from  a  neighboring  height 

Peeped  down  upon  the  pleasing  sight 

Until  the  shades  of  evening  came 

And  made  the  players  quit  their  game. 

Said  one:  "'Let  half  a  dozen  go 

For  brooms  to  sweep  away  the  snow 

While  others  run  without  delay 

To  find  where  stones  are  laid  away. 

This  curling  game,  that  to  the  band 

May  seem  so  strange,  I  understand. 

I  've  watched  them  play  till  after  dark 

On  frozen  lakes  within  the  park, 

And  heard  the  loud  approval,  too, 

Of  '  Weel  done,  Sawnie ;  guid  for  you  ! ' r 
It  was  not  long,  as  one  may  think, 
Before  they  stood  around  the  rink. 
Some  for  the  sport  were  doubly  nerved, 
And  won  applause  they  well  deserved, 
Whde  others  soon  had  aching  bones 
Who  got  in  front  of  sliding  stones. 
Sometimes  the  stones  hit  with  such  force 
They  split,  or,  bounding  on  then  course, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    SCOTLAND. 


IP- 


zmmm 


Mr'1  ,  -.     v.      v 

ft  ■-    5 

i 


Rolled  on  the  edge  and  hav<>e  made 
Among  the  busy  broom  brigade; 
But  ere  the  light  of  morning  came 
All  understood  the  curling  game. 


•±7 


Dopood  for  goodness  sa^e 

a  I  u>  ny  s 
Not  for  reujnrd  on  earth, 
nor  praise.  * 


TTE   BROWNIES   IN  ENGLAND. 


Fifth  Stage. 

e  Browiiies  next  when  plans  were  laid, 
A  visit  to  Old  England  paid; 
They  sought  the  country  towns  and  all 
At  Shakspere's  birthplace  made  a  call. 
Found  time  around  the  house  to  stray 
Where  hved  and  loved  Ann  Hathaway. 
At  length,  one  eve  as  shades  came  down 
They  reached  the  streets  of  London  town. 
On  London  Bridge  they  sat  in  rows, 
As  on  a  fence  some  watchful  crows, 
Commenting  on  the  structures  grand 
That  here  and  there  the  river  spanned, 
Or  spelling  out  the  vessels'  names 
That  floated  up  and  down  the  Thames. 

48 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ENGLAND. 

Said  one,  who  gained  extended  view 
"  It'  the  ambitious  Romans  knew 
When  they  this  city  founded  here 
Beside  the  river  broad  and  clear 


That  it  would  still  keep  spreading  fast 

Till  largest  in  the  world  at  last, 

They  doubtless  would  have  kept  the  yoke 

Much  longer  on  the  British  folk." 

Another  said :  "  We  little  know 

How  soon  a  town  will  stretch  and  grow 

40 


THE    KliOWXIES    IN    ENGLAND. 


Si)"ie  pi 


If  it  is  situated  right 
The  trade  of  nations  to  invite." 
So  rich  in  wonders  was  the  place 
They  hardly  knew  where  first  to  race. 
Some  wished  to  visit  Tyburn  Hill, 
Or  Smithfield,  that  gives  one  a  chill, 
As  through  the  mind  the  records  run 
Of  cruel  work  that  there  was  done. 

More  wished  to  race  along  the  Strand, 

Or  by  the  Bank  of  England  stand 

And  ponder  there  about  the  gold 

And  silver  bullion  it  can  hold. 


llfff^ft^i^l/.-.'^Jb.^f 


The  Brownies  hunted  for  an  hour 
To  gain  a  view  of  London  Tower; 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    i:\ci.\Mi. 


At   length,  an  < 
Thai  showed  it 

Said  one  :  "  The 

Seems  like  a 

Compared  with 

Thai  oft  held 

And  saw  the 


■!i   new  tney  tound, 
towers  square  and  round. 

Tombs,  ob  ( lenl  re  St  reet, 
pleasant  country-seat 
that   old  frowning  pile 
kings  in  durance  vile, 
blood  in  torrents  flow 


you'll  call  to  mind  the  days 

u,(Tl7  pride   ' 
Wbet)  you  proved  true,fyou£lj 

sorely  fried 


So  many  hundred  years  ago. 

Within  it  lies,  if  talcs  arc  true, 

The  proof  of  what  hard  hearts  can  do  — 

The  block,  the  chain,  the  prison  cage, 

And  tortures  of  a  vanished  age 

T  is  told  that  Julius  Caesar  laid 

Its  corner-stone  with  great  parade, 

And  in  its  dungeons,  dark  and  deep, 

Did  many  a  valiant  Briton  keep. 

Next,  William  I.,  the  Norman  brave, 

Its  massive,  snow-white  tower  gave; 

Then,  as  the  centuries  onward  rolled, 

And  kiugs  grew  more  self-willed  and  hold, 

Still  higher  towers  were  made  to  grow 

And  deeper  dungeons  dug  below, 

Till  now  it  seems  fit  place  to  hide 

The  noble  blood  of  Europe  wide. 

Here  baron,  duke,  and  count  might  blink 

In  unison  with  fetter  clink, 

Like  many  a  one  who  here  was  cast 

On  small  pretense  in  ages  past." 

Another  said :  "  An  outward  sight 

Will  not  content  the  band  to-night, 


THE   BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 


So  to  the  gate  at  once  we  '11  race 
And  gain  an  entrance  to  the  place. 
And  through  each  hold  and  keep  we  '11  go, 
From  turret  high  to  dungeon  low, 
To  view  the  arms  and  fixtures  strange, 
Preserved  so  well  through  many  a  change, 
To  he  a  lesson  full  and  free 
For  generations  yet  to  be." 
Soon  through  the  place  the  Brownies  ran 
This  lance  to  view,  that  helmet  scan, 
Or  gaze  upon  an  ax  with  dread, 
That  lopped  off  many  a  royal  head; 
And  heavy-fashioned 

halberds  viewed 
That  paths  at  Agincourt 

had  hewed, 
Where  Henry,  on 

St.  Crispin's  day, 
In  face  of  odds 

showed  no  dismay. 
They  climbed  inside 

of  armor  old 
And  peeped  out  where 

the  visage  bold 
Of  some  crusader 

oft  had  frowned 
Upon  his  turbaiied 
foes  around. 
The  helmet  cleft,  the  corselet  bent, 
The  baldric  pierced,  and  symbol  rent 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ENGLAND. 


Showed  some  Sir  Knighi   had  sure  enough 
In   Palestine  found  usage  rough. 
They  chained 

each  other 

to  the  wall, 
They  tried  the 

thumb-screws, 

racks,  and  all. 
So  they  might 

he  the  better 
schooled 
In  what  went  on  when  tyrants  ruled. 


They  crowded  some  into  a  hole 
Where  not  a  ray  of  daylight  stole 
To  cheer  the  heart  or  show  the  face 
Of  those  who  languished  in  the  place. 

Behind  the  shields 

that  turned  aside 
The  weapons  that 

the  Paynim  plied, 
They  ran  for 
refuge  when 
some  sound 
Would  spread  a  sudden 
fear  around. 
They  found  some  arms  and  for  a  while 
Marched  here  and  there  in  soldier  style, 
Some  carrying  an  ancient  blade. 
And  some  the  latest  weapon  made. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    ENGLAND. 


Thus  hours  were  passed  within  the  walls, 
Still  visiting  the  ceUs  and  halls, 
And  corridors  and  stairways  strong 
That  called  to  mind  some  crime  or  wrong. 
Then  other  j  parts  of  town  they  sought 

Thai  -illiiiiitite;..  wakened  other 

>-<■       trains  of 

thought. 


From  Ludgate  Hill  the  Brownies  flew 
When  old  St.  Paul's  appeared  in  view. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ENGLAND. 


Said  one:  "li   looks  as  fine  as  when 
It  left   t he  compasses  of  With  ; 
No  greater  monumenl   could  be 
Erected  to  his  memory." 

About    the   place  some   hours  they  stayed, 
Then  to  Westminster  Abbey  paid 
A  visit,  where  they  rambled  round, 
And  soon  the  Poets'  Corner  found. 
To  moralize,  as  well  they  might. 
Before  the  busts  and  statues  white, 
That  were  by  skilful  hands  designed 
To  represent  some  master  mind. 


More  nights  than  one  they  slacked  their  gait 
In  fogs  that  wrapped  the  city  great, 
And  poked  about  until  distressed 
In  seeking  for  some  place  to  rest. 
Some  tried  with  lanterns  to  pursue 
Their  way  to  points  they  better  knew, 
While  others  sought  some  place  to  hide 
Until  the  pall  should  drift  aside. 
Said  one :  "  This  town  so  large  and  fine 
Would  be  a  favorite  spot  of  mine 


THK    BltOWNlES    E\    ENGLAND. 


If  fogs  were  not  so  often  spread 
To  keep  one  moving  round  in  dread. 
Last  night  for  hours  I  groped  astray 
In  streets  where  best  I  know  my  way; 
'T  is  hard  to  go  when  brightest  light 
Is  in  a  fog  extinguished  quite, 
From  door  to  door,  from  stone  to  stone, 
To  work  your  way  by  touch  alone. 


All  native  tact  for  nothing  went 
As  here  and  there  with  body  bent 
And  fingers  spread,  I  felt  about 
To  find  some  mark  to  help  me  out. 
I  tumbled  down  three  cellar-stairs, 
Then  into  holes  for  street  repairs ; 


PALVCt  COX. 


Ran  twice  against  a  watchman's  legs 
Who  lay  asleep  upon  some  kegs. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ENGLAND. 


Ami  next  ;i  watering-trough   I   found, 
And   falling  in  was  nearly  drowned. 
Through  many  trying  scenes  I   passed 
Ere  I   to  (lad's  Hill  crawled  at   last. 
'T  is  dangerous  work   for  us  1<>  stay 
Where  one  can't  tell  the  uighi  from  day 
We  cannot  keep  our  bearing  right, 
Know   when  to  hide,  or  come  in  sight. 
No  doubt,  on  this  historic  ground 
Ten  thousand  wonders  may  be  found 
To  interest  the  Brownie  mind 
With  moral  lessons  well  defined, 
Of  which  we  might  for  ages  speak, 
Nor  have  a  subject  trite  or  weak, 
But   let  ns  now  some  plans  advance 
To  cross  the  Channel  into  France." 


Noblest  Isles  l:>er]eatlj  tlje  sky 
We  must  leaue  a3  on  we  fly 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   FRANCE. 


Sixth   Stage. 

evening  when  the  Brownies  met 
They  talked  and  planned  of  how  to  get 
A  ship  or  boat  to  serve  their  need, 
So  o'er  to  France  they  might  proceed. 
Said  one,  at  length:  "My  comrades  brave, 
I  Ve  heard  about  this  choppy  wave, 
Where  winds  ami  tides  so  oft  contend 
And  to  the  rail  old  sailors  send 
Who  were  when  sailing  open  sea 
From  all  internal  troxddes  free. 

Now,  we  '11  not  be  to  ships  confined 

That  may  at  least  upset  our  mind 

If  nothing  more,  while  we  can  go 

In  other  ways,  as  I  will  show. 

Last  night,  while  poking  round,  I  spied 

Not  half  a  mile  from  ocean  side, 

To  my  surprise,  a  strange  affair 

That  's  made  to  travel  through  the  ah, 

Not  like  balloons  ascending  high, 

Which  as  the  wind  directs  them  fly, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    FRANC 


But  made  with  wings  and  tail  and  all 
To  steer  its  way  through  roughest  squal 
With  straight  est  course  throughout 

maintained, 
Until  a  certain  point  is  gained. 
I  doubt   it'  the  inventor  knows 
Much  better  how  that  air-ship  goes 
Than  I,  who  all  its  points  to  find, 
Crawled  through  it  with  inquiring  mind 
At  every  art  we  all  are  skilled: 
A  slight  affair  like  that  we  '11  build, 
One  that  will  all  our  wants  supply, 
And  then  the  Brownie  band  may  fly 
High  over  all  the  creaking  fleet 
That  on  the  waves  disaster  meet." 


If  you  fjope  ncroujr 

1o_g.Tr, 
You  <rZ-,\  fa  He  '!,(• 


Before  a  week  had  passed,  at  most, 

They  left  behind  the  English  coast, 
Upon  an  air-ship  of  their  own 

By  clever  hands  together  thrown 
From  such  odd  stuff  as  lay  about 
And  could  be  nsed  to  shape  it  out. 
Sometimes  between  the  clouds  and  sky 
They  passed  the  soaring  eagle  by ; 
At  times  a  downward  sweeping  gale 
Would  get  control  of  wings  and  tail 
And  bear  them  down  with  fearful  force 
Until  the  water  checked  their  course, 
And  then,  half  buried  in  the  deep. 
The  straining  ship  would  onward  leap, 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   FRANCE. 


While  to  the  dangling  ropes 

that  hung 
Away  astern  some 

Brownies 
clung, 


Afraid  of  seas  that  o'er  them  rolled, 
But  more  afraid  to  loose  their  hold. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    FRANCE. 

Now  rising  with  a  sudden  star! 

The  strange  affair  would  upward  dart. 

While  those  who  had  been  cheated  oul 

Of  cabin-passage  still  were  stoul 

Ami  could  their  greal   endurance  show 

By  hanging  to  the  ropes  below. 

Now  some  advised  to  keep  her  high, 

And  others  said   to  let   her  fly 

Along  the  sea  through  waves  and  all. 

Thus  to  avoid  a  fearful  fall 

In  ease  the   works  got   out   of  tune 

When  they  were  half-way  to  the  moon. 

They  found  the  new  machine  that  night 

Somewhat  erratic  in  its  flight. 

The  helm  at  times,  the  truth  to  tell, 
It  did  not  answer  extra  well ; 
Some  technicalities,  no  doubt, 
The  Brownies  scarce  had  studied  out, 
And  so  the  ride  failed  to  impart 
The  joy  they  hoped  for  at  the  start. 
Said  one  :   "  I  'd  rather  lose  a  toe. 
Or  leg  in  fact,  if  it  must  go 
To  feed  the  fish  along  the  shore, 
Thau  fall  five  thousand  feet  or  more." 
Another  shouted :   "  Timi  her  round, 
And  steer  her  back  to  English  ground  ! 
For  one,  I  'd  rather  France  should  stay 
Untrodden  by  my  feet  for  aye. 
Than  there  in  such  a  fixture  get 
That  has  not  been  perfected  yet ; 


THE   BROWNIES  /    IN   FRANCE. 


V 


^W«r 


See  how  she  darts  and  dives  at  will, 

In  spite  of  all  your  boasted  skill. 

I  would  not  give  a  penny  '  twist ' 

For  all  your  lives  if  you  persist 

Against  the  storm  to  flap  and  soar 

Until  you  cross  this  channel  o'er." 

But  some  were  there  whose  valiant  minds 

Were  not  as  fickle  as  the  winds, 

And  though,  instead  of  straight  across, 

They  zigzag  flew  with  painful  loss 

Of  time  and  travel,  still  the  bow 

Was  pointing  e'er  to  France  that  now 

Was  growing  more  apparent  fast 

And  promising  success  at  last. 

As  wounded  birds  lose  every  grace, 

And  wildly  flutter  on  through  space, 

Their  only  hope  and  only  care 

To  keep  themselves  a  while  in  air, 

Now  sinking,  rising,  straining  still 

To  reach  at  length  the  woody  hill, 

Where  they  can  hide  away  from  sight 

And  ponder  on  their  wretched  plight, 

So  did  that  air-ship  dodge  and  dive. 

With  all  on  board  right  well  alive 

62 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    FRANCE. 

To  every  danger  of  the  hour 
lTntil  il    proved  it   bad  the  power 
T<>  bear  them  safely  to  the  beach 
Whii'li  they  were  glad  enough  to  reach. 

While  through  Parisian  streets  so  grand 
One  evening  moved  the  Brownie  band, 

Said  one:    "At   length   the   land  we   trace 
That  holds  a  brave  and  warlike  race. 
O'er  many  a  field,  if  history  's  true. 
Their  proud,  victorious  eagles  flew, 
When  led  by  some  commander  grim 
Who  valued  neither  life  nor  limb; 
And  signs  yon  see  on  every  side 
Still  show  that  spirit  lias  not  died, 
But  slumbers  to  break  out  anew 
When  some  Napoleon  comes  in  view." 

Another  said:   "They  '11  wait  a  while 
Before  some  unpretentious  isle 
Gives  forth  another  who  "11  display 
Such  wondrons  powers  in  our  day." 
A  third  remarked:    "We  hope  they  will. 
Who  wants  another  born,  to  kill 
And  devastate  the  countries  wide 
To  simply  gratify  his  pride  ?" 
Not  long  the  Brownies  rambled  round 
Before  Napoleon's  tomb  they  found. 
The  massive  crypt  that  holds  his  dust 
Drew  every  eye,  as  still  it  must 


THE    BROWNIES   IN   FRANCE. 


When  strangers  with  a  noiseless  tread 
In  awe  draw  near  the  mighty  dead. 
Some  who  respected  not  the  bones 
Of  one  who  caused  such  shrieks  and  groans 
To  echo  round  the  world  for  years 
Climbed  on  the  tomb  with  jokes  and  jeers, 
And  it  took  more  than  one  sharp  cry 
To  bring  them  from  their  perch  on  high. 


Then  other  sights  they  gathered  round 
Which  in  that  city  may  be  found. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    FRANCE. 


t ' 


And  also  so  they  could  declare 
They  passed  beneath  that  grand  affair, 
As  well  as  those  who  conquered  lands 
And  marched  beneath  in  shouting  bands. 
( treat  space  would  be 

required  to  tell 
Each  place  their  pattering 

footsteps  fell, 
For  lively  feet  the 

Brownies  ply 
And  fast  can  travel 

when  they  try. 
They  stood  in  galleries  of  art 
With  staring  eyes, 
and  thankful  heart 


THE    BBOWNIES   IN   FBANCE. 


That  they  had  found  at  length  a  chance 
To  see  the  famous  works  of  France, 
The  sculptures  and  the  paintings  grand 
That  told  of  many  a  master  hand. 
The  Brownies  halted  one  and  all 
Before  the  graceful  column  tall 
That  towered  many  feet  in  air 
And  ornamented  well  its  square; 

On  every  side  of  it  they  stood 

And  moralized,  as  well  they  could, 

Ahout  the  shouting  populace 

That  had  run  riot  round  its  hase. 

Through  streets  they  went  smooth  as  a  floor, 

And  in  the  Seine  they  dipped  an  oar; 

Then  to  old  palaces  they  ran 

At  least  their 

outer  form  JM 

to  scan,        , . ,  „Jj 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    PRANCE. 


Since  time  allowed  do  closer  view 
And  they  their  journey  musl   pursue. 

te  walls  thai  were  so  nigh  and  stout, 
Designed  to  keep  the  rabble  oul 

If  riot  raised  its  crimsoned  hand, 
Could  not  keep  oul   the 

Brownie  band. 
Thus  through  the  town 

they  worked  their  way 
To  view  the  scenes  that 

round  them  lay. 
Then  off  to  other  cities  sped, 
And  battle-fields,  where 

thousands  bled, 
To  Agfncourt,  and  Crecy;  then 
A  visit  paid  to  old  Rouen, 
Where  on  the  pile  of  fagots  tied 
The  "Maid  of  Orleans" 
bravely  died. 
A   thousand  nights  they 

might  have  found 
Good  cause  indeed 

to  ramble  round, 
But  other  countries  they  must  find 
And  leave  the  soil  of  France  behind. 


ErPtlje  stars  put  up  ttyei'r  screens 
We'll  be  off  to  oUjev  soeries 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    SPAIN. 


Seventh  Stage. 

sunny  Spain  so  bright  and  gay 
The  Brownies  made  a  lengthy  stay. 
The  groves  were  fine,  the  sky  was  clear, 
The  air  was  mild,  the  buildings  queer, 
And  every  night  some  wonder  new 
Or  novel  freak  attention  drew. 
One  night,  while  near  a  city  old 
Where  Guadalquivir's  waters  rolled, 
One  with  descriptive  powers  blessed 
Soon  interested  all  the  rest. 
Said  he :  "  Last  night  I  found  a  chance 
To  see  these  lively  Spaniards  dance ; 
Not  moving  through  a  figure  slow, 
But  bouncing  wddly,  heel  and  toe ; 
Now  waving  arms  above  then  head, 
Now  like  a  saw-horse  strangely  spread; 
Now  with  one  foot  uplifted  there 
Describing  circles  in  the  air ; 
Now  freely  tossing  limbs  around, 
Now  with  then*  noses  near  the  ground, 

68 


THE    BROWNIES    IN'   SPAIN. 


The  room  from  side  to  side  they  crossed, 
As  if  in  search  of  something  lost. 

/,'  (J  The   Indian's  hop, 


»a!v  %*! 


JMf 


the  Scotchman's  reel, 
The  Frenchman's 
glide, 
or  German's 
wheel 


;'j     /    ■  i  ',;         '   ■■■•    .    ■■*  ' 

ill  HW  At    ■  ,   ■  '  '         "  '  - 


flV't»? 


Should  not  he  mentioned  the  same  day 
"With  Spanish  dancers  light  and  gay." 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   SPAIN. 

Another  said :  "  If  that  's  the  case, 
We  must  at  once  secure  a  place 
Where  every  turn  and  action  free 
That  you  had  such  good  luck  to  see, 
From  tripping  toe  to  tossing  hand, 
May  he  indulged  in  hy  the  hand." 

A  third  remarked :  "  The  dance  I  knew 
Before  you  ever  rations  drew; 
I  've  passed  the  hours  from  dark  to  dawn 
In  light  fandangoes  on  the  lawn, 
And  I  have  not  yet  lost  the  art 
Of  giving  life  to  every  part. 
So  in  the  dance  you  now  .propose 
I  '11  show  my  comrades  how  it  goes.'' 
It  does  n't  take  a  lengthy  space 
Of  time  for  them  to  find  a  place; 
Could  human  folk  then  wants  supply 
As  readily  as  Brownies  spry, 
Ah !  many  a  one  without  a  roof, 
Or  garment  that  is  weather-proof, 
Would  soon  he  free  from  want  or  cold. 
And  all  life's  comforts  snugly  hold. 
But  readers,  all  must  understand 
Commissions  in  the  Brownie  hand 
Are  not  for  sale,  no  gaps  exist, 
The  ranks  are  full,  complete  the  list. 
So  none  need  hope,  as  Brownies  hold 
With  mystic  powers,  to  he  enrolled. 
Conceal  you. ■  frowns  idfy  Before  one  half  the  night  had  flown 

.greatest  care  » 

But  let  your  srniles  be  free  The    Blwnies    had    familiar    grown 


'HE    BROWNIES    l\   SPAIN. 


With  every  caper,  toss,  and  fling 
)^L         Thai   Spaniards  in  the  dance  can    bring, 
\nd  well  the  lively  people  know 
Che  way  fco  trip  the  nimble  toe. 

From  ( ladiz  to  the 
Grallic  line 

Ollc    could    not    Sec 

such  actions   fine 


Such  waving  hands, 
such  supple  knees, 

Such  whirling  round 
with  graceful  ease, 


As  Brownies  on 
that  floor  revealed 

Ere  they  were 
forced  to  take 

the  field. 


One  night,  while  they  were 

passing  down 
The  outskirts  of  a  leading 

town, 
With  eyes  that  ever  turned 

and  rolled 
Some  novel  wonder  to  behold. 

71 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    SPAIN. 

They  found  a  strange  inclosure  wide 

With  seats  arrayed  on  every  side, 

"Where  thousands  could  a  view  obtain 

Of  objects  on  the  inner  plain. 

Said  one :  "In  this  same  place,  I  wreen, 

The  matadors  with  weapons  keen 

And  scarlet  cloak,  to  plague  or  blind 

The  monarch  of  the  cattle  kind, 

Engage  in  that  old  cruel  game 

That  has  been  long  the  nation's  shame.'" 

Another  said:  "Your  head  is  clear; 
The  animals  indeed  are  here. 
In  stalls  or  pens  they  rest  to-night 
In  waiting  for  to-morrow's  fight. 
We  '11  take  a  peep  and  in  this  case 
See  what  the  Spaniards  have  to  face." 

The  chatting  of  the  band  enraged 
The  creatures  that  were  closely  caged; 
They  bellowed  loudly,  spurned  the  ground, 
And  in  a  frenzy  rushed  around, 
And  finally  broke  through  the  wall 
Or  fence  that  had  inclosed  them  all, 
And,  charging  madly,  thought  to  gore 
A  dozen  of  the  band  or  more. 
Now  with  good  reason  pale  with  flight, 
The  Brownies  scampered  left  and  right, 
And  climbed  up  posts  and  trees  in  haste 
To  be  in  safer  quarters  placed; 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    sl'.UN. 


Their  nimbleness 

and  mystic  power 
Both  stood,  them  well  in  hand  that  hour. 
But  still  a  few,  in  spite  of  all, 
Were  tossed  across  a  neighboring  wall, 
Alighting  on  some  garden  trees 
That  let  them  down  to  earth  with  ease. 
Said  one:  "If  that  's  the  kind  of  game 
The  matadors  have  got  to  tame, 

73 


THE   BBOWNIES    IN    SPAIN, 

When  out  into  the  ring 

they  go, 
They  're 

welcome 

to  their 

fight 

and  show ! 


We  'd  best  make  haste 

and  leave  the  pen, 

I  '11  hardly  he  myself  again 
For  half  a  year,  I  well  believe, 
Though  best  of  doctoring  I  receive." 
Another  answered  from  a  vine 
That  grew  above  the  danger  hue, 
"  If  this  is  sport,  I  'd  like  to  know 
Just  when  one  ought  the  smile  to  show. 
I  would  n't  stay  in  such  a  town 
As  this  is  for      pf^Bo fSgill      the    Spanish  crown! 

Land  where  Ka-J^MaM        such  pastimes  are  unknown. 


THE    BROWNIES 

IX    ITALY. 

Eighth  Stage. 

aSMIft  Italy  the  Brownies 
knew 
But  little  rest  the 

season  through, 
So  many  places  they 

could  rind 
To  visit  and  improve 

the  mind. 
The  master  works  of 

former  days 
And  great  cathedrals 
drew  then' 
gaze. 
Through  galleries 
of  art  they 
strolled 
'Mid  statues  large 
and  paintings 
old, 


THE   BBOWNIES   IN   ITALY. 


Such  as  the  world 

to  present  date 

Has  tried  in  vain 

to  imitate. 

They  clambered  over 

Peter's  dome, 

And  seemed  to  feel 

as  much  at  home 

Upon  the  highest  point  they  found 

As  if  they  sported  on  the  ground, 

Though  now  and  then  some  trouble  rose 
From  rash  attempts  or  slipping  toes. 
At  times  a  Brownie  lost  his  hold 
And  half-way  down  the  dome  he  rolled 
Until  an  ornament  would  check 
His  fall  in  time  to  save  his  neck. 

The  better  to  observe  the  style 

And  finish  of  the  wondrous  pile 

They  hung  by  lengthy  ropes  to  see 

Each  cap  and  frieze  and  metope, 

And  learn  how  they  withstood  the  wear 

Of  centuries,  so  high  in  air. 
An  amphitheater  at  last 
The  Brownies  found  'mid  ruins  vast. 
Said  one:  "A  gladiator  show 
Such  as  the  people  used  to  know 
On  festal  days  throughout  the  year 
No  longer  may  be  witnessed  here. 
The  well-worn  course  one  may  behold 
Where  once  the  brazen  chariots  rolled, 


'HE    BROWNIES    l\    ITAI.V. 


Amid  the  clouds  of  dust  that  rose 
To  tickle  many  a  Roman  nose; 
The  heartless  crowds  have  had  their  day. 
And  time  has  swept  them  all  away, 
With  all  the  shields  and  nets  and  spears 
Their  cruel  sports  and  fiendish  cheers." 
Another  said:  "While  passing  by 
A  window  in  a  building  nigh, 
I  glanced  around,  and  what  think  you 
The  first  of  all  attention  drew  ! 
A  foot-ball  such  as  students  send 
When  they  in  college  games  contend. 
That  hall   in  half  ;i   snap  you  11  see 
Or  I  'm  not  what   1  used  to  be, 
And  on  this  spot   where  martyrs  gave 
Themselves  to  beasts  their  faith  to  save. 
Where   tiger's   howl   and   lion's   roar 
Could  not  affright  the  hearts  they  bore, 
We  '11  have  at  once  a   friendly  game 
That  will  all  Romans'  efforts  shame. 


THE  BKOWNIES   IN  ITALY. 

Although  no  Csesar  will  look  down 
Upon  the  scene  with  smile  or  frown, 
No  ready  thumbs  a  signal  throw 
To  spare  or  speed  the  final  blow, 
Far  greater  crowds  ow  actions  trace 
Than  all  the  Roman  populace, 
And  loving  miUions  far  and  near 
May  yet  applaud  our  doings  here." 

Another  said:  "My  sportive  friend, 
Our  time  to  this  we  cannot  lend, 
Too  many  objects  are  at  hand 
That  claim  attention  from  the  band, 
To  other  scenes  we  must  away, 
Nor  linger  here  your  game  to  play." 

When  safe  in  Venice,  quaint  and  old, 
At  length  arrived  the  Brownies  bold, 
Said  one:  "This  is  the  strangest  yet 
Of  all  the  cities  we  have  met — 
Where  streets  are  not  dug  up  each  day 
Some  other  kind  of  pipes  to  lay, 
Where  no  one  sees  a  paving-stone, 
And  carriage-makers  are  unknown, 
While  all  the  horses  here  in  sight 
Are  chiseled  out  of  marble  white." 
A  second  said:  "It  calls  to  mind 
The  stories  one  in  books  may  find. 
'T  was  here  Othello  did  regale 
The  Duke  with  plain  unvarnished  tale ; 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ITALY. 


Told  how  he  won  his  lovely  bride, 
Nor  used  a  charm  nor  aught  beside 
Save  tales  of  sieges,  long  campaigns, 
Of  shipwrecks,  and  of  slaver's  chains. 
Here  Shylock  clamored  for  his  bond, 
But   law  so  sharply  did  respond 
It  almost  turned  the  plaintiffs  brain 
By  bringing  loss  hi  place  of  gain; 

And  here  the  Doge  to  plotting  fell, 

And  waited  for  the  signal  bell 

That  was  to  call  the  fated  men 

And  butchers  to  the  slaughter-pen; 

But  those  among  whose  tombs  he  thought 

To  stand  alone,  his  secret  caught, 

And  promptly  ruled  the  roost  instead 

By  taking  off  the  plotter's  head." 


"This  town," 
(*  That  seems  to 
Has  many  boats 
Take  pleasant 
So  picturesque 
They  seem  well 
For  some  can 
And  some  on 
"While  others 
For  fear  while 


another  soon  replied, 
float  upon  the  tide 
wherein  we  may 
rides  till  break  of  day, 
they  look,  and  grand, 
suited  for  the  band, 
hide  away  below, 
top  can  make  them  go, 
keep  a  keen  lookout 
sailing  hereabout, 


Through  lack  of  skill  or  want  of  room. 
We  strike  a  palace  or  a  tomb — 
And  little  else  appears  to  be 
Projected  here  above  the  sea." 


THE   BKOWNIES   IN   ITALY. 


Ere  long,  in  boats  of  queer  design, 
Witli  curving  bows  and  trimming  fine, 
The  Brownies  jumped,  to  sail  around 
Through  water-streets  that  there  abound. 
Beneath  the  Bridge  of  Sighs  they  passed, 
And  wondering  looks  upon  it  cast. 

Said  one :  "  They  built  it  to  sustain 
No  doubt  a  rapid-transit  train, 
That  prisoners  might  be  hurried  well 
From  palace  court  to  prison  cell." 
Another  said :   "  'T  will  not  compare 
With  Brooklyn's  Bridge  so  high  in  air, 
Which,  though  perhaps  no  Bridge  of  Sighs, 
For  rushing  crowds  can  take  the  prize." 
Said  one:  "We  '11  pause  awhile  to  see 
The  place  where  prisoners  used  to  be 
Confined,  perhaps,  from  boyhood's  prime 
Until  their  heads  were  bowed  with  time, 
Then  after  all  these  years  of  dread 
Were  forth  to  stake  or  scaffold  led." 
They  saw  the  chains  by  prisoners  borne, 
They  saw  the  paths  their  feet  had  worn 
In  solid  stone  while  pacing  round 
Away  from  every  sight  and  sound. 
As  stately  ships  in  harbors  wide, 
Or  open  sea,  ofttimes  collide, 
With  captains  in  the  service  gray, 
And  all  the  steering  gear  in  play, 
It  may  not  seem  beyond  belief 

That  Brownies  sometimes  come  to  grief 

so 


'HE    BROWNIES    IN    VWWA 


y0 


a    I    0 

ftES 


Once  while  they  gazed  at  wonders  there 
They  failed  to  take  the  needed  care, 
For  as  beneath  an  arch  they  ran 
They  missed  the  center  of  the  span. 
And  trouble  then  at  once  began. 
The  lengthy  how  slid  up  the  stone 
To  find  a  passage  of  its  own. 


THE    lUtOWNIES   IN   ITALY. 


And  stenrward  in  a  struggling  pile 
The  frightened  Brownies  fell  the  while. 
Still  higher  did  the  boat  ascend 
Until  it  nearly  stood  on  end, 
And  there  was  nothing  else  to  do 
But  to  the  bottom  take  the  crew, 
And  leave  them  in  a  fearful  mess, 
And  Venice  one  gondola  less. 
'T  is  somewhat  hard  for  one  to  say 
How  deep  those  silent  waters  lay, 
But  judging  by  the  time  that  passed 
Between  the  fall  and  rise  at  last, 

The  puffing  Brownies 
could  not  dive 

Much  deeper  and 
come  up  alive. 


From  Venice  then  they  hastened  all, 
On  old  Pompeii  made  a  caU. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ITALY. 


There  climbed  upon  the  ruins  great, 
Ami  moralized  upon  its  fate. 
Said  one:  "Upon  these  doorsteps  old 
The  tale  of  love  was  often  told, 
Here  children  clustered  on  the  walk. 
Ami  round  these  corners  where  we  talk 
Played  hide-and-seek  and  blindman's-buff, 
Ami  scampered  o'er  this  pavement  rough 
To  dodge  the  horse's  iron  heels 
Or  heavy,  rumbling  chariot-wheels. 
The  story  of  the  town  you  know — 
How  sudden  fell  that  night  of  woe; 
These  streets,  that  often  rang  with  cheers, 
Were  hid  for  sixteen  hundred  years 
Beneath  the  overwhelming  load 
That  old  Vesuvius  bestowed. 
But  let  us  leave  the  lonely  place, 
And  off  to  other  countries  race, 
Forgetting  not  that  we  must  haste 
Around  the  world,  nor  moments  waste.'1 


Hou/euci-  fair  may  beflje  land. 
Still  on  must  gofyegroujm'ebancL 


THE 
BROWNIES   IX  TURKET 

Ninth  Stage. 


n  Turkey  there  was  much  to  view 
That  to  the  Brownie  hand 

was  new. 
The  buildings  strange  and  towers 

high 
At  once  attracted  every  eye. 
On  every  spire  of  wood  or  stone, 
Or  arching  gate,  the  crescent  shone ; 
So  not  one  moment  could  the  hand 
Forget  they  trod  the  Sultan's  land. 
The  highest  mosque  and  minaret 
The  Brownies  climbed  in  hopes 

to  get 
A  bird's-eye  view  of  gardens  fair, 
And  palaces  that  glittered  there, 
And  ships  that  drifted  to  and  fro 
( )r  lay  at  anchor  far  below. 
Said  one:   "To  climb  this  filigree 
Is  harder  than  to  climb  a  tree; 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    TUKKEY. 

[f  we  were  lidl  an  active  batch 
In  such  as  these  we  'd  find  our  match. 
But  steps  or  stairs  we  don't  require 
To  help  us  up  the  tallest  spire." 
Another  said:   "No  person  can, 
Be  he  a  ((reek  or  Mussulman, 
Erect  a  steeple  round  or  square 
Or  octagon  so  high  in  air 
Above  his  meeting-house  or  shop 
That  Brownies  cannot  reach  the  top." 


Then  St.  Sophia's  mosque  so  grand 
Was  much  admired  by  all  the  band. 

They  sauntered  round  and  round  the  place, 
Then  measured  it  with  even  pace. 

And  found  the  statements  of  its  size 
And  beauty  were  not  spiced  with  lies. 
They  walked  around 

in  gardens  fair, 
Enjoying  perfume-laden  air, 
And  on  the  very 

Sultan's  lawn 
They  played  at  games 

till  early  dawn ; 


THE   BKOWXIES   IX    TURKEY. 


Ill  secret  places  skirmished 

round 
Where  strangers  no  admittance 

found 
And  all  the  household, 

by  decree, 
Were  safely  under 

lock  and  key. 


^•'^ 


They  chatted  freely 

of  the  way 
Some  people  live 
at  this  late 
day, 
In  spite  of  all  that  has  been 

done  £3 

To  work  reforms  beneath  Jm, 

the  sun.  "%%T« 

86 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    TURKEY. 


Some  lounged  on  rich 
<liv;ms  awhile, 
More  sat  in  ( Iriental 

style 
On  ottomans  in  quiet 

nooks, 
And  tried  the  hookas 
and  chibouks; 
8omc  filled  the  bowl, 

while  others  drew 
Upon  the  pipe,  and  puffed  and  blew, 
Eaeli  Brownie  striving  to  excel 
At  making  wreaths  that  lasted  well, 
Until  the  smoke  hung  like  a  cloud 
Above  the  heads  of  all  the  crowd 
And  through  the  open  windows  there 
Rolled  out  to  scent  the  midnight  air. 


:    ~^..-:.i,.,m.-' 


This  pleased  awhile,  but  in  the  end 
They  felt  they  could  not  recommend 
The  Eastern  custom  to  a  friend. 
( me  night  the  valiant  Brownies  tried 
To  swim  the  Hellespont  so  wide  — 


THE    BROWNIES   IN   TURKEY. 


To  imitate  the  daring  feat 

Of  young  Leander,  when  to  meet 

His  lady-lore  in  secret  bower 

He  braved  the  tide  at  evening  hour. 


Not  one  of  all  the  active  band 
But  hi  that  effort  left  the  strand. 
Though  oft  the  band  great  streams  had 

crossed, 
And  here  and  there  were  roughly  tossed, 
They  soon  perceived,  from  last  to  first, 
This  was  the  wildest  and  the  worst. 
Some  grew  alarmed,  ere  half-way  out, 
And  with  pale  faces  turned  about, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    TURKEY. 

And   luit    fur  stronger  friends  al   hand 

That  helped  them  safely  to  the  land, 

The  interesting,  bright  career 

( )t'  half  a  score  had  ended  here, 

While  others,  showing  better  skill, 

Contended  with  the  current  still, 

And  neither  fear  nor  failing  knew, 

But  gained  the  point  they  had  in  view. 

Though  much  they  may  have  needed  rest 

Where  skill  and  strength  had  such  a  test, 
They  could  not  stop,  or  waters  wide 
At  morning  would  the  hand  divide, 
And  weeks  might  pass  around  before 
They  'd  have  a  chance  to  meet  once  more. 
So  plunging  in  without  delay 
To  anxious  friends  they  worked  their  way. 
Where  arms  were  ready  to  enfold 
With  fond  embrace  the  swimmers  bold. 


THE   BROWNIES 

IN  EGYPT. 

Tenth  Stage. 


ljjkgj( 


Egypt  next  the  wonders  new 
On  every  side  attention  drew. 
Upon  the  Sphinx,  the  chief  of  all 
The  wonders  there,  they  made  a  call, 
And  on  the  solemn 
head  they 
found 
A  chance  to  dance 
a  merry 
round. 
The  great 

canal  that 
reaches 
wide 
Across  the 
country 
soon  they 
spied, 


THE    BROWNIEH    IN    EGYPT, 


And   from  a   roof  or  neighboring  1 1 « •  i l; 1 1 1 
Looked  on   the  seeno   for  liali'  the   ni-hl 
Ami   praised  the  enterprise  of  man 
Win)  such  a   wondrous  scheme  could   plan. 
Said  one:  "Art  came  with  pick  and  spadi 
And  t bus  a  gap  in  nal lire  made. 
How  many  years  and   ages   passed 
Ere  man  devised  a  work  so  vast  ! 

Still  commerce  sighed        ^ssirP2- 
from  day  to  day 

For  some  much  needed       32§»31|li?* 
wa  1 1  sr  w  ay,  7  ^'"~ 

rill  M.  de  Lesseps  planned  a  scheme 

And  brought  the  artificial  stream 


Whereon  great  ships  can  proudly  rid 
As  when  they  plow  the  ocean  tidi 
Soon  bearing  home 

their  precious  load 
In  safety  by 

the 

shortest 

road." 


^1 


THE   BROWNIES    IN   EGYPT. 


More  had  their  say,  and  praises  laid 

On  those  who  planned  and  those  who  paid, 

Until  't  was  time  to  turn  and  seek 

For  something  else  of  which  to  speak. 

On  pyramids  of  slippery  stones, 

That  kiiiers  had  hnilt  to  hold  their  hones 


Till  they  would  need 
The  active  Brownies 
Up  step  by  step, 
They  struggled  nim- 
High  on  the  peak 
Enjoying  free  and 
Commenting  on  the 
They  gained  while 
The  daring  band, 
With  wonders  that 
Found  courage  to 
The  dark  interior 
With  torches  to 
They  groped  then 
Sometimes  they 


their  frame  once  more, 

clambered  o'er; 

without  a  stop, 

bly  to  the  top. 

for  hours  they  sat, 

friendly  chat, 

prospect  fan* 

perched  so  high  in  air. 

not  satisfied 

appeared  outside, 

pass  through  a  door, 

to  explore. 

dispel  the  gloom 

way  from  room  to  room  ; 

tumbled  in  a  cell, 


Sometimes  across  a  mummy  fell, 
And  by  the  mishap  broke  the  crust 
And  scattered  wide  the  sacred  dust. 
A  hundred  feet  beneath  the  ground 
The  royal  sepulchers  were  found, 
Where  safe  beneath  a  massive  lid 
The  monarchs  lay  for  centuries  hid, 
Not  troubled  by  the  overflow 
Of  mighty  rivers  stretched  below, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    EGYPT, 


Nor  worried  by  the  warlike  horde 

That  from  some  neighboring  country  poured 

Around  the  stone  sarcophagus 

Of  some  old  kinic  who  had  a  muss, 

No  doubt,  with  prophets  in  his  day, 

At  hide-and-seek  they  stopped  to  play. 

Said  one,  as  he  with  thoughtful  mien 

Looked  round  upon  the  somber  scene: 

"  No  better  place  could  Brownies  find 

To  hide  away  from  humankind. 

If  we  had  time  to  study  out 

The  statements  chiseled  all  about, 

You  M  find  each  casket  is  supplied 

With  tales  about  the  one  inside. 

Perhaps  he  stood  with  shading  hand 

To  watch  his  legions  leave  the  land. 

And  shouted  to  them  in  his  wrath 

To  follow  in  the  Hebrews'  path. 

But  waves  that  had  been  long  controlled 

By  mighty  power  now  inward  rolled ; 

With  foaming  crests  they  barred  the  way 

Like  lions  leaping  on  their  prey, 

03 


THE   BBOWNIES   IN   EGYPT. 

And  giving  in  one  generous  dish 

All  Egypt's  army  to  the  fish. 

The  dust  of  kings  alone  is  here, 

From  them  we  nothing  have  to  fear, 

Their  days  of  tyranny  are  past, 

Time  suatched  them  from  their  thrones  at  last; 
No  more  they  '11  range  from  place  to  place 
And  subjugate  a  better  race ; 
No  more  impose  a  double  task 
When  slaves  or  bondsmen  mercy  ask; 
Say  who  shall  live  or  who  shall  die, 
Or  who  their  treasury  supply. 
'T  is  well  such  creatures  reach  an  end, 
And  these  old  rogues,  I  apprehend, 
If  I  their  picture-language  know, 
Had  theirs  four  thousand  years  ago." 


Upon  an  island  in  the  Nile 
The  Brownies  tarried  for  a  while. 
Among  the  ruins  scattered  round 
A  temple's  colonnade  they  found, 
And  in  hieroglyphics  spread 
The  fate  of  poor  Osiris  read, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    EGYPT. 


And  how  he  was  embalmed  with  rare 
By  the  kind  goddess  Isis  fair. 


k-ifcj  V- 


'     .1 

Cnstles  old  Rnd  legends  fender 
Wkispef  of  n  Uflflfsljed  splendor, 


THE 

BROWNIES 

IN  ARABIA. 

Eleventh  Stage. 


yP  night,  while  straying 

by  the  Nile, 
The  Brownies  caught 

a  crocodile, 
And  through  some 

mystic  sleight,  I  wot, 
They  charmed  the 

reptile  on  the  spot, 
Until  it  played  upon 

the  sand, 
Affording  pleasure  to 

the  band. 
Then  up  and  down 

the  bank  it  moved, 
AVliile  half  the  band 

the  chance  improved, 


THE   BROWNIES   IN'   Ai;  \i;i  \. 


All  striving  for  a   place  to  idde 

Upon  the  creature's  scaly  hide. 

They  di'oye  it  there,  they  drove  it   here, 

Without  the  slightest  thoughl  of  fear. 


v. 


\  HI  J 


7  mM, 


51-.* 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   ARABIA. 


It  must  have  fared  exceeding  well, 
Before  iuto  their  power  it  fell, 
And  have  devoured  enough  to  last 
It  for  a  week  without  a  fast, 
Because  it  let  them  sport  about 
Iu  easy  reach  of  tail  or  snout, 

And  did  no  inward  craving  feel 
To  take  some  Brownies  for  a  meal, 
At  length,  while  on  the  hank  it  lay, 
With  all  the  Brownies  in  full  play, 
It  seemed  at  once  to  break  the  spell 
That  up  till  then  had  held  it  weU, 
And  be  itself,  with  powers  to  rest, 
Or  go  ahead,  as  pleased  it  best. 
Without  their  leave  it  turned  its  head, 
And  started  for  the  river's  bed. 
Soon  down  the  steep  incline  it  dashed, 
And  in  the  sluggish  water  splashed. 
The  Brownies  had  to  jump  the  while, 
Or  find  the  bottom  of  the  Nile. 
Said  one  :   "  A  bath  befits  the  race 
When  one  can  choose  the  time  and  place ; 
But  I  would  rather  run  a  year 
Unwashed  than  take  my  swimming  here, 
With  such  companions  as  we  M  find 
Beneath,  of  every  shape  and  kind." 
Another  said :  "  We  ll  turn  aside 
And  through  Arabian  deserts  wide 
Pursue  our  way,  until  we  all 
Can  see  the  bird  that  stands  so  tall, 

98 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    AH  \i:i  \. 


/>*<.*,*«     Cj 


THE    BROWNIES   IN   ARABIA. 


And  yields  the  plumes  so  rich  and  rare 
And  highly  prized  hy  ladies  fair." 
So  off  they  ran  across  the  plain 
With  nimble  feet,  and  not  in  vain. 
An  ostrich,  that  hy  chance  had  strayed 
Across  their  path,  was  prisoner  made. 

They  chased  it  for  an  hour  or  so, 
For  he  could  run,  as  people  know 
Who  have  pursued  the  bird  for  gain 
For  leagues  across  a  wide  domain. 
Sometimes  he  kept  far  in  the  van. 
At  times  around  his  heels  they  ran, 
Half  blinded  by  the  sand  that  rose 
At  every  movement  of  his  toes. 
Again,  some  daring  Brownies  tried 
Upon  its  legs  to  hang  and  ride. 
Then  some  along  the-  ground  were  rolled, 
But  others,  clinging,  kept  their  hold. 
Until,  thus  handicapped,  at  last 
He  tumbled,  and  they  had  him  fast. 


To  ttiose  ""bo  earned  It  b»sf 
of  all . 


Said  one:  "  Sometimes  a  savage  beast 
Will  pluck  an  ostrich  for  his  feast, 
And  then  these  feathers,  long  and  grand, 
Are  scattered  freely  on  the  sand; 
But  whosoever  gives  him  chase 
Must  earn  his  breakfast  by  the  race, 
And  has  an  appetite,  no  doubt, 
Before  the  banquet  is  laid  out, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ARABIA. 


For  this  is  something  famed  for  speed, 

A  match  for  the  Arabian  steed, 

When  both  a  lively  interest  feel, 

One  spurred  by  fear,  and  one  by  steel." 

Now,  while  some  held  it  on  the  ground, 

The  other  Brownies  gathered  round 

And  took  such  plumes  as  pleased  them  best 

To  cany  as  a  handsome  crest. 

Said  one :  "  Those  folks  can  hardly  thrive. 

Who  pluck  their  poultry  while  alive, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ARABIA. 


And  we  may  this  exploit 

regret 
Before  the  morrow's  sun 

has  set. 
For  many  a  one, 

old  dames  have  said, 
Has  tossed  through  night 

a  restless  head, 
The  only  sleepless  one 

in  town, 
Because  on  pillows  made 

of  down, 
That  cruel  fingers  had 

plucked  loose 
To  music  of  the  squawking 

goose." 
Another  said :  "  The  fact 

is  clear; 
There  is  a  tinge  of  mischief 

here, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    ARABIA. 

Bui  where  such  wondrous  tufts  exist 
A  few  small  feathers  won't  be  missed, 
'T  is  lucky  for  the  bird  that  we 
Are  satisfied  with  two  or  three; 
For  if  it   fell  in  human  hands, 
He  'd  soon  go  naked  o'er  the  sands; 
Or,   if  a  beast  such  chance  could  find, 
He  M  hardly  leave  the  hones  behind.*' 

A  novel  spectacle  they  made 
When  thus  in  nodding  plumes  arrayed; 
A  foreign  prince  might  well  be  proud 
To  be  the  poorest  in  the  crowd, 
And  have  his  head  appear  so  fair 
With  plumes  that  waved  so  high  iu  air. 


(Jn  arassy  fields  or  plains  of  san.d 
Goo3->]ature  rules  N;e  Brownie  bond 


THE   BROWNIES   IN 
GERMANY. 

Twelfth  Stage. 

German  Empire,  firm  arid  strong, 
The  Brownies  visited  ere  long ; 
Its  lovely  rivers  to  behold, 
And  ramble  through  the  castles  old 
That  crumbling  into  ruins  stand 
On  every  peak  or  point  of  land. 
To  highest  towers  they  tried  to  go 
To  view  the  country  stretched  below, 
And  as  they  climbed  awaked  the  fears 
Of  owls  and  bats  that  there  for  years 
In  gloomy  halls  had  moped  and  drowsed 
Where  dukes  and  barons  once  caroused. 
And  while  the  massive  walls  they  scanned, 
For  prison  and  for  palace  planned, 
They  moralized  on  what  they  saw, 
On  ancient  force  and  modern  law. 
Said  one :     "In  days  gone  by,  no  doubt, 
Through  these  old  gates  oft  sallied  out 

104 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    OERMANY. 


A   plundering  band,  prepared  to  stock 
Its  larder  from  its  neighbor's  flock. 
Then  righl   had  little  chance  al  all 
[Jnless  it  owned  the  strongesl   wall, 
And  justice  did  the  prize  bestow 
On  him  who  gave  the  hardest  Mow/' 
So  thus  the  Brownies  chatted  still 
While  rambling  through  the  place  at  will, 
Enjoying  sights  on  every  side 
So  common  in  that  country  wide. 


■EH    -^' 


J§5  - 


M^vfek;^1:  ^i- 


fi&sdVPNB 


They  paused  at  Bingen  on  the  Rhine, 
Where  fields  were  covered  with  the  vine ; 
Where,  bending  round  the  Niederwald, 
The  river  to  the  ocean  crawled, 
And  ancient  castles,  towering  high 
Along  the  banks,  charmed  every  eve. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN    GERMANY. 


Some  stood  reciting  line  by  line 

The  poem  so  world-renowned  and  fine 

About  the  soldier  in  Algiers, 

Till  half  the  band  was  moved  to  tears, 

So  sad,  pathetic,  and  yet  true 

The  poetess  the  picture  drew. 

At  length,  within  a  city  proud 

That  holds  the  nation's  greatest  crowd, 

They  found  a  chance  from  some  retreat 

To  gaze  npon  the  leading  street. 

While  marching  downward,  near  at  hand, 
There  passed  a  famous  German  band. 
Said  one  :     "  These  people,  as  yon  know, 
In  every  country  like  to  blow ; 
It  may  be  clarionet  or  flute 
Or  trombone  that  they  choose  to  toot, 
But  this  is  certain  :  they  're  the  boys 
Who  tramp  ahead  and  make  the  noise.1' 
Another  said  :     "  Come,  let  us  find 
Some  instruments  of  every  kind, 
Both  those  that  toot  and  those  that  squeal 
And  those  that  like  an  organ  peal, 
And  also  others  large  and  round 
That  loudly  '  rub-a-dub  ! '  will  soimd. 
We  '11  bear  them  to  a  distant  grove 
Where  prying  people  seldom  rove ; 
And  then  we  '11  practise  at  the  tunes 
On  fiddles,  haut-boys,  and  bassoons, 
Until  we  charm  the  birds  of  air 
With  music  rightly  rendered  there." 

106 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    GERMANY. 


Aiiui  her  cried  :     "  Yon  may,  indeed, 
On  me  depend  to  take  the  Lead. 
A   I  housand  airs  I   understand, 
Willi   all    their   variations  grand, 
Thai  lead  you  off,  as  if  astray. 
Prom  what  you  first  commenced  to  ]> 
I  '11   blow   the   horn   and   draw   the   how 
And   how   to  beat   the   drum    J  '11    show 
So  those  who  have  the  dullest  ear 
For  music  cannot  help  but  hear, 
And  learn  to  love  it  as  they  should 
If  they  are  capable  of  good." 
This  was  enough  for  one  and  all ; 
That  night  they  ran  and  made  a  haul. 
The  store  was  bolted  like  a  cell. 
But  they  got  in,  and  out,  as  well, 
Each  hearing  off  as  he  professed, 
The  instrument  he  liked  the  best. 
Soon  some  were  much  surprised  to  find 
Their  mouths  for  horns  were    not   designed. 
And  some  had  fingers  far  too  set 
For  either  flute  or  clarionet. 
But  after  changing  round,  I  wis, 
An  hour  or  so,  from  that  to  this, 
To  rightly  suit  the  mouth  and  hand 
Of  every  member  of  the  hand, 
They  were  in  readiness  at  last, 
With  everything  in  order  classed  : 
The  fiddle  tuned  to  match  the  tone 
Of  something  with  a  kindred  drone, 


THE   BKOWNIES   EN    CEKMANY. 


^SS£^^&j- 


And  drummers  knowing  well  the  spot 

Where  they  might  hang  away  or  not. 

The  cunning  Brownies  with  delight 

In  greatest  efforts  did  unite. 

They  shook  the  leaves  on  tree  and  vine, 

As  loud  they  played  "  Die  Waeht  am  Bhein." 

The  hymn  to  liberty,  so  dear 

To  sons  of  Prance,  charmed  every  ear; 

The  march  that  lifts  the  Briton's  heart 

When  duty  calls  and  friends  must  part ; 

The  "Bonnie  Doon"  and  "  Grarry  Owen" 

In  turn,  by  kind  request,  were  blown. 

Nor  was  the  Western  world  forgot : 

The  airs  that  cheered  the  patriot, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    GERMANY. 


When  in  his  ( 'mil  inenta]  suil 

He  dared  the  monarch's  claims  dispute, 

Were  given   with  an  extra   blare, 

I  n  honor  of  ( iolumbia  fail*. 

At  times  they  marched  in  single  line, 

Al   times  in  clusters  would  combine, 

With  arm  in  arm  and  toe  to  heel, 

And  scarcely  room  enough  to  wheel. 

Too  soon  that    pleasant   nighl    went    by, 

And  stars  began  to  leave  the  sky. 

So  Brownies  had  no  time  to  spare 

When   they  returned  with  proper  care 

The  fiddles,  drums,  and  horns  once  more 

Where  they  had  found  them  hours  before. 

To  other  points  that  hold  a  place 

In  history,  they  took  a  race. 

Upon  the  field  of  Waterloo 

No  rest  the  cunning  Brownies  kuew 

Until  their  lively  feet  could  gain 

Each  acre  of  the  famous  plain. 

They  paused  where  from  his  charger  white 

Napoleon  viewed  the  doubtful  fight 

And  urged  his  legions  on  to  dare 

The  dangers  of  the  bristling  square. 

Thev  stood  where  Wellington  was  found. 


While  thickest 
Encouraging  his 
To  firmly  stand. 


carnage  strewed  the  ground. 
men.  like  rock 
to  bide  the  shock. 


10 


THE   BROWNIES   IN 
SWITZERLAND. 

Thikteenth   Stage. 

Switzerland  the  mountains  high., 

That  seemed  to  blend  the  earth  and  sky, 

Delighted  all  the  Brownie  band; 

And  oft  they  tried,  with  foot  and  hand, 

To  scale  the  rugged  cliffs  around 

Until  the  highest  peak  was  found. 

It  mattered  not  that  ice  and  snow 

Made  travel  dangerous  and  slow. 

Said  one :  "  Where'er  the  foot  of  man 
Has  found  a  rest,  a  Brownie's  can. 
I  know  the  way  that  men  set  out, 
With  pointed  staffs  to  prod  about 
And  feel  their  way  when  storms  arise 
That  almost  blind  their  straining  eyes. 
We  '11  do  the  same,  and  ropes  we  '11  take 
To  tie  ourselves  for  safety's  sake, 
So  should  one  fall,  as  fall  he  may, 
The  others  can  his  tumble  stay." 
no 


flWn- 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    SWITZERLAND. 


f& 


Thus  well  prepared  for  greatesl   heighi 
They  climbed  tin-  Matterhorn  one  night. 
Svj        Some  by  ;i  rope  were  wel]  combined, 

*        So  each  could  prompl   assistance  find, 
In  case  a  Brownie  failed  to  keep 
His   footing  <>n   the   windy   steep. 
For  hours  they  sealed   the  mountain-side. 
Still  climbing  on  without   a  guide; 
But  as  some  higher  point  appeared 
For  this  at  once  the  Brownies  steered. 

Said  one:   "No  guiding  hand   we  need 

While  we  have  courage  to  proceed 

And  eyes  to  see  the  summit   hare 

That  still  is  high  aboye  us  there; 

So,  without  halting,  up  we  '11  go 

Until    we    leave   the    clouds   helow. 
We  '11  surely  know  enough  to  stop 
When  we  at  last 
Thus  chatting  free- 
Resolved  to  make 


Now  toiling  up  as 
Now  slipping  back, 
Now  helping  others 


have  reached  the 
ly  on   they  went, 
the  bold  ascent. 
best   they  could, 
as  if  for  good, 
to  a  shelf. 


top.*' 


Now  very  much  concerned  for  self, 
While  clouds  of  snow  around  them  rolled 
<if     And  sharper  grew  the  luting  cold. 

Once,  as  a  dangerous  point  they  passed. 

So  sudden  came  the  icy  blast. 

In  spite  of  all  the  care  they  showed 

It  blew  a  number  from  the  road, 

111 


THE   BROWNIES  IN  SWITZERLAND. 


To  twirl  them  wildly  through 

the  air 
And  keep  them  dangling 

helpless  there, 
While  those  who  still 

a  footing  found 
Clung  to  the  rope  that 

swayed  around, 
Until,  with  mighty  tug 

and  strain, 
The  party  could  their 

place  regain. 
At  times,  when  dangers      ,11 

thus  assailed,  /MM 

The  courage  of 
some 
Brownie  failed, 
And  one  declared    ■  *=$  ■ 

<Sp7$?  $  mill 

't  would  take       „>^  .  jj'' 
a  week 
To  carry  out 
their  crazy 
freak, 
And  thought 
they  should  at  (J^p 
once  retire    ^|| 

And  warm  "rw  *  I  fllr ' '  ™ 

themselves  ^»-*«   ■'■' 
around  C^IMPf1 

a  fire.  £pP 

112 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    SWITZERLAND. 

Saul  he:  "Tlit'  glory  we  would  gain 

I!'   we  at    lasl    the   cresl    attain. 

Would  hardly,  my  ambitious  friends, 

Pot  lost  companions  make  amends." 

Another  said:  "Your  paling  fare 
Is  not  becoming  to  your  race. 
Shall  we,  who  dared  the  raging  sea 
Upon  a  raft,  now  thwarted  be, 

Because  the  mountain  here  enshrouds 

Its  head  in  dark  and  theatening  clouds  ! 

My  friend,  where'er  the  human  kind 

Have  set  their  feet,  I  am  inclined 

To  think  we,  too,  that  snot  can  win, 

Or  else  decline  is  setting  in. 

Oiu*  usefulness  is  surely  passed 

If  we  must  turn  from  icy  blast ; 

Our  courage  must  he  ebbing  low 

If  we  're  afraid  of  drifting  snow; 

Our  enterprise  is  getting  weak 

If  we  can't  find  a  mountain  peak. 

If  mystic  power  must  go  for  naught 
When  we  're  in  face  of  trials  brought, 
We  might  as  well  give  others  room 
And  start  at  once  to  build  our  tomb." 

Thus  braver  spirits  cheered  the  rest 

And  pointed  to  the  glittering  crest 

On  which,  ere  long,  they  all  could  stand 

If  courage  would  uphold  the  band. 

Those  who  have  marked  the   Brownies'  way 

And  perseverance  day  by  day 


THE   BROWNIES    IN    SWITZERLAND. 


Will  know  that  on  the  top  at  length 
The  Brownies  stood  in  all  their  strength, 
And  gazed  upon  the  world  helow 
That  formed  a  panorama  show. 
And  paid  them  well,  as  they  declared, 
For  all  the  dangers  they  had  dared. 
Once  in  their  midnight  rambling  round 
The  Lion  of  Lucerne  they  found 
That  's  chiseled  from  the  mountain  hard 
In  memory  of  the  brave  Swiss  Guard 
That  struggling  for  the  Bourbon  well 
In  his  defense  all  fighting  fell. 
The  Brownies  next  set  out  to  view 
Lake  Leman's  tide  so  deep  and  blue, 


/VmS«  L"i' 


The  wave-washed  walls  they  gazed  upon 
That  held  the  Prisoner  of  Chillon 
So  many  years,  while  by  his  side 
In  fetters  fast  his 

brothers  died. 
They  boldly  ventured 

down  the  stair 
To  see  the  chains  he 

used  to  wear, 

114 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    SWITZERLAND. 


And  mark  the  narrow  dungeon's  bound 
In  which  al    last    he  moved  around  ; 
They  paced  it   hack  and    Eorth  to  find 
To  whal  a  vault  he  was  consigned, 
And  thoughl   how  well  the  poet's  pen 
Mas  made  his  sufferings  known  to  men. 
The  narrow  window  they  surveyed 
To  which  the  bird  its  visit  paid, 

,.f  As  if  to  try  with  vocal 

]  lowers 

To  cheer  him  through  the 

gloomy  hours. 
With  sympathetic  feelings 

kind. 

Before  they  left  the  cell 
behind, 
They  scrawled  his  name  upon  the  wall, 
His  long  imprisonment  and  all. 
And  passed  a  vote  of  censure  strong 
Upon  the  prince  who  did  the  wrong. 


Sh'llotl/.rcJUitr,,,  n,.r  ^  l,»qd 

./Unit  ll,e  coming  o/  «,t  bnnd. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN 

HOLLAND. 


Fifteenth  Stage. 

winter  season  worked  around 
Before  the  Brownies  Holland  found. 
They  traveled  half-way  through  the  land 
On  skates,  a  free  and  happy  hand. 
At  times  a  dike  would  be  their  road, 
At  times  a  meadow  overflowed,  jy 

Then  up  a  river  they 

would  train 
Until  it 

narrowed 

to  a  drain, 
Compelling 

them  to 

walk  awhile 
Until  more 

ice  would 

make  them 

smile. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    HOLLAND. 


hI  mistake  a  few 
ream,  as  people  do 


ii  tnrougn  a 

W'nit   in  the 

Who  sometimes  overestimai 
The  strength  of  Lee  beneath  the  skate, 
Their  comrades  would  not  Leave  them  there, 
But  every  risk  and  danger  share 
With  willing  hand  and  courage  good, 
Till  every  one' in  safety  stood. 
While  in  that  country  moving  round, 
Commenting  on  the  sights  they  found, 
They  paused  to  stare  with  wondering  eyes 
Upon  a  windmill  large  of  size. 

Said  one  :  "  This  turned  in  days  gone  by 
To  grind  the  farmer's  wdieat  and  rye, 
But  disconnected  now  with  stone, 
Or  working-gear,  it  stands  alone, 
Affording  shelter  to  the  mice 
When  winter  coats  the  land  with  ice," 
At  length  some  daring  ones  began 
To  climb  the  mill,  and  boldly  ran 
Upon  the  roof,  then,  worst  of  all, 
Upon  the  vanes  to  freely  crawl. 
Until  one  half  the  Brownies  there 
Had  found  a  place  to  perch  in  air. 
'T  is  strange,  indeed,  how  storms  can  rise 
As  though  at  once  from  cloudless  skies  ; 
'T  is  strange  how  scpialls  capsize  the  boat 
Just  when  it  seemed  to  safest  float  ; 
And  strange  how  soon,  through  groaning  trees, 
There  came  that  night  a  sweeping  breeze, 


THE  BBOWNIES  IN  HOLLAND. 


And  struck  with  force  that  ancient  mill 
That  had  for  years  heen  standing  still, 
Nor  turned  a  sail  nor  made  a  pound 
Of  flour  for  the  people  round. 

No  one  was  more  surprised,  no  douht, 
In  all  the  country  thereabout 

Than  were  those 
Brownies, 

grave  or  gay, 
Who  to  the  vanes 
had  found  their 
way. 
And  now  they  learned 
to  their  regret, 
The  mill  had  life 

within  it  yet. 
They  had  small 

choice  of  what 
to  do 
As  round 
and  round 
it  wildly 
flew, 
They 

simply 
had  to  he 
content 
To  travel 
-  ■■^3w&'-  p*^«  %  with  it 

as  it  went. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    HOLLAND. 


It  did  not   prove  a  simple  gust, 
To  bend  the  grass  and  hurl  the  <lust, 
Hut  such  a  wind  as  rends  the  ash 
Ami  brings  the  steeple  with  a  crash. 

And  though  the  rust   had  time  to  spoil 
The  journals  that  now  screeched  for  oil, 
As  it'  complaining  at   the  part 
They  played  against  all  rules  of  art, 
The  mill  did  greater  stir  display 
That  hour  than  in  its  perfect  day. 
And  had  there  been  some  "Tain  inside, 
The  town  would  soon  have  been  supplied 
With  Hour  from  the  smoking  stones, 
That  turned   within   with  creaks  and  groan 
But  Brownies,  as  before  was  told, 
Are  not  the  kind  that  lose  their  hold, 
And  so  through  all  their  circling  trip 
But  few,  if  any,  lost  their  grip, 
And  even  when  the  vanes  gave  out  — 
And  some  soon  did,  and  flew  about 
In  wild  career  before  the  blast — 
The  Brownies  still  were  clinging  fast, 
And  though  they  suffered  many  a  shake 
They  reached  the  ground  without  a  break. 
Then  one  remarked :   "  I  think  't  is  time 
We  traveled  to  some  other  clime." 


We  must  trauel    ^~~^k   Oth-r  coiuitWes 
come  ulmt  may    ^Tl53H  to  survey. 


THE  BROWNIES 

IN  RUSSIA. 

Sixteenth  Stage. 

Russian  ground  no  lengthy  stay 
The  Brownies  made  to  work  or  play. 
Said  one:  "If  we  had  not  to  go 
Across  this  country,  as  you  know. 
While  circling  the  terrestrial  ball 
We  'd  hardly  give  the  place  a  call. 
From  poorest  peasant  up  to  peer 
There  \s  too  much  secret  plotting  here, 
Too  many  mines  and  bombs  concealed 
In  city,  village,  road,  and  field. 
'T  is  hardly  safe  to  touch  a  brier 
Or  twig,  lest  it  should  wake  a  fire 
That  would  not  leave  a  foot  or  hand 
Or  head  intact  of  all  the  band. 
However  dark  may  be  the  night 
A  sentinel  will  pop  in  sight 
So  we  're  compelled  to  hide  away 
Through  hours  of  night  as  well  as  day. 
They  stand  on  guard  o'er  mill  and  mine 
O'er  bridges,  boats,  and  pipes  of  wine. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN'    RUSSIA. 


Sonic  stand  to  guard  the  ruler's  bed, 
More  watch   his  baker  make  the  bread, 
For  fear  some  poison  be  mighl   throw 
Willi  vengeful   band  amid  the  dough; 
More  watch  the  chemist  while  he  tries   -. 
The  coffee  thai   the  cools  supplies; 
The  horse  is  guarded  oh  all  sides 
On  which  the  Czar  at   morning  rides, 
For  fear  they  'd   deck   it    well   at    night 
With  cartridges  of  dynamite 
To  scatter  liim   around  the  street 
The  moment  that  he  takes  his  seat." 


1  '«r.  ■ 


- -.-'e^  hJ  -0i. 


iSef&S^^-l§ 


«&?s 


rr1 


,  .'ViK-'v- 


'    fAlHEt  CO*. 


At  times  up  to  the  ears  in  snow 
They  struggled  through  a  valley  low, 
And  only  that  the  hand  possessed 
Endurance  equal  to  the  hest, 
Some  place  like  that  to-day  would  hold 
The  hones  of  every  Brownie  bold. 
Of  Moscow,  as  they  hurried  through 

The  land,  the  Brownies  gained  a  view. 
121 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   RUSSIA. 


W^t,!#mWjW!imf'  %  «•<    -! ":  "SIM  m  j;|l  I 


There  on  a  bridge  the  wondering  band 
Before  the  Kremlin  paused  to  stand 


THE    BROWNIES    l\    Rl  ssi  \. 


And  mark  the  many- 
towered  pile 
That  glowed  in  Oriental 

style. 
Once  while  they  crossed 

a  lonely  waste 
A  pack  of  wolves  the 

Brownies  chased, 
For  miles  and  miles,  well 

was  their  need, 
They  scampered  at  their 

highest  speed 
Through  broken  ground 

of  every  kind 
And  still  coidd  hear  the 

howls  behind. 
Now  sinking  to  a  muffled 

wail. 
Now  rising  louder  on 

the  gale, 
Until  the  frosty  hills 

around 
Gave  answer  to  the  awful  sound 

123 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   RUSSIA. 


Let  your  home  be  wliere 

(twill 
You'll  find  uork  before 
_you  still. 


But  as  the  pack  with  bristling  hair 

And  open  mouths  and  fiery  glare, 

Above  a  snowy  ridge  appeared, 

A  friendly  tree  the  Brownies  neared, 

For  this  they  ran,  and  well  they  might 

With  half  a  hundred  wolves  in  sight, 

Each  brute  prepared  to  stow  away 

A  breakfast  with  but  small  delay. 

But  ere  they  reached  the  tree  in  view 

The  howling  terrors  closer  drew 

With  bristling  backs  and  clashing  jaws, 

Bright  flashing  eyes  and  nimble  paws, 

But,  though  they  skirmished  left  and  right 

At  closest  range  they  failed  to  bite 

As  if  the  cunning  rogues  surmised 

A  mystic  prey  they  had  surprised 
Of  quite  a  different  form  and  caste 
From  those  they  had  devoured  last. 
Meanwhile  the  Brownies  ne'er  forgot 
The  tree  that  graced  that  lonely  spot, 
And  kept  alive  and  in  the  race 
Until  they  reached  its  rugged  base. 
The  hugging,  climbing,  scratching  now, 
As  each  one  sought  to  gain  a  bough, 
Might  bring  a  smile  to  every  face 
Had  this  not  been  a  serious  case, 
That  did  in  greatest  manner  plead 
For  mystic  exercise  indeed. 
If  that  old  tree,  that  long  had  grown 
Upon  the  frozen  plain  alone, 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    RUSSIA. 


'  '■■''■"'■:r> 


Had  been  designed  with  special  care 
To  meet  the  need  of  Brownies  there, 
It  hardly  could  be  better  planned 
In  fitness  for  the  lively  band. 
Through  all  that  night  with  hungry  eyes 
The  wolves  sat  glaring  at  the  prize, 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   RUSSIA. 

Iii  hopes  some  branch  would  snap  at  last 
With  overweight,  or  else  a  blast 
Might  shake  a  shower  from  the  tree 
That  patience  might  rewarded  be. 
At  length,  as  night  her  mantle  rent, 
The  wolves  appeared  to  catch  the  scent 
Of  something  on  a  distant  hill 
That  seemed  to  promise  better  still ; 


So  in  a  trice  the  siege  was  raised, 
And  all  the  Brownies,  much  amazed, 
Descended  from  the  tree  in  haste 
And  made  their  way  across  the  waste. 


(aroff 


rilK    BROWNIES   IN   CHINA 


(Sixteenth   Stage. 


THROUGH  many  trials  hard  to  face 

The  Brownies  moved  from  place  to  place, 
Now  camping  on  some  dreary  wild, 
Now  in  some  village  domiciled, 
In  waiting  till  a  better  chance 
Was  offered  for  a  safe  advance, 
Until  before  their  wondering  eyes 
They  saw  the  strange  pagodas  rise, 
And  saw  the  wall  built  long  ago 
To  keep  aloof  a  plundering  foe, 
And  then  they  knew  not  far  away 
The  "Flowery  Kingdom"  smiling  lay. 


Without  a  ladder,  rope,  or  line, 
Or  aught  except  a  clinging  vine, 
To  aid  them  in  their  steep  ascent. 
Upon  the  wall  the  Brownies  went. 
Said  one :  "  'T  is  here  this  very  hour 
We  show  indeed  superior  power. 

127 


THE   BEOWNTES   IN   CHINA. 


This  wall  that  kept  the  Tatars  cmt 
Two  thousand  years,  or  thereabout, 
Has  failed  to  keep  the  Brownie  band 
For  fifteen  minutes  from  the  land." 
The  Brownies  many  wonders  found 
While  through  that  empire  roaming  round. 
'T  was  large  enough  to  let  them  range 
Through  fertile  plains  and  cities  strange 
For  weeks  and  months,  and  still  pursue 
Their  way  through  scenes  and  wonders  new. 
Said  one :  "  The  oldest  country  spread 
Upon  the  world  we  Brownies  tread; 
Great  nations  rose  and  swept  away 
Then  neighbors'  lines,  and  had  then  day, 
Then  crumbled  to  a  final  fall, 
But  this  old  empire  lived  through  all. 
Three  thousand  years  have  left  no  trace 
Upon  the  customs  of  the  race; 
Still  eating  rice  and  drinking  tea, 
Behind  their  wall  from  trouble  free, 
They  live  content  to  he  alone 
Among  then  shrines  of  wood  and  stone." 

128 


CHE    BROWNIES    IN    CHINA. 

Another  said  :  "  'T  is  well  thai   they 
Are  qo1   inclined  from   home  1"  stray, 
~or  if  1  lie  sea  1  bey  venl  ui'e  o'er 
tey  111  find  small  welcome  al   the  shore.'1 
The  Brownies  climbed  the  towers  grand 
That  are  so  common  in  the  land, 
And  freely  did  their  views  exchange 
About  the  architecture  strange. 
Said  one:   "Not  often   do   we   find 
A  place  where  builders  are  so  kind. 

Here  shelves  abound  where  one  can  stop 
And  rest  while  chmbing  to  the  top: 
By  easy  stages  we  can  rise 
Mjp^f    ]  $n       And  view  the  land  that  round  us  lies, 
'  WSgSuBaR         And  what  seemed  like  a  trying  task 
Is  sport  as  good  as  one  could  ask. 
^\^^A&^   No  slippery  spire  of  tin  or  slate, 

e— •$&'>  To  which  we  have  to  trust  our  weight, 
We  here  encounter  as  we  go 
But  wood  that  suits 

both  baud  and  toe, 
And  they  must  be  but 

common  people 
Who  lose  their  hold  on 

such  a  steeple," 
At  times  too  many 
rushed  to 
view 
An  object  that 

attention  drew, 


THE    BROWNIES   IN    CHINA. 


And  then  the  odd-shaped  roof  would 
Or  yield,  and  with  its  load  descend, 
And  only  mystic  powers  could  save 
The  Brownies  from  an  early  grave. 
It  has  to  he  a  fearful  squall, 
It  has  to  he  a  stunning  fall, 
It  needs  must  he  a  wild  affair 
In  shape  of  beast,  or  bird  of  air 
That  can  subdue  the  lively  band, 
Or  bring  then  actions  to  a  stand. 
Oh,  could  we  mortals,  toiling  here 
Upon  this  fast-revolving  sphere, 
Like  them  surmount  the  greatest  ill 
And  bravely  face  the  music  still, 
We  might  do  many  things  I  trow 
We  '11  leave  unfinished  when  we  go  ! 
Not  often  strangers  penetrate 
Into  that  country  old  and  great, 
And  when  they  do  some  years  go  by 
While  they  one  half  its  wonders  spy, 
So  do  not  marvel  that  the  band 
Were  some  weeks  passhig  through  the  land, 
And  oft  were  prompted  to  declare 
It  paid  them  well  to  journey  there. 


bend 


to  bear 
irj  njlr)d. 


I  fjose  w);o 
trauel  far 


EE    BROWNIES    IX  JAPAN. 

Seventeenth  Stage. 

course  of  time  the  Brownies  found 
Themselves  on  the  Mikado's  ground, 
Where,  though  the  natives  seemed  to  be 
Enlightened  in  a  small  degree 
Above  their  neighbors,  soon  "t  was  known 
They  had  strange  notions  of  their  own, 
And  Brownies  saw,  to  their  regret, 
The  people  were  in  darkness  yet. 


While  through  the  country,  strange  and  vast, 
The  active  band  of  Brownies  passed, 
From  town  to  town,  o'er  many  a  mile 
They  traveled  in  the  native  style, 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   JAPAN. 


Some  members  riding  there  in  state, 
More  bending  down  beneath  the  weight, 
As  up  and  down  the  lengthy  road 
They  struggled  with  their  heavy  load. 
But  oft,  as  onward  still,  they  ranged, 
The  situations  would  be  changed, 
And  thus  by  many  a  shifting  scene 
All  tried  both  ways  the  palanquin. 


PAL-nen  Cox 

Again  with  parasols  they  'd  go 

Along  the  road  a  lengthy  row, 

In  imitation  of  the  way 

The  people  guard  their  heads  by  day, 

And  with  their  fans  whene'er  they  please 

Create  an  artificial  breeze. 

Sometimes  they  traveled  through  the  land 

With  lanterns  swinging  in  each  hand, 

To  light  them  through  a  dangerous  ground 

Where  trouble  nught  their  path  surround. 

At  times  they  halted  in  surprise 

Before  an  idol  of  large  size, 

And  sometimes  Brownies  were  not  slow 

Upon  the  towering  form  to  go. 


Ill  I :    BKOWNIES    IN    JAPAN. 


Some  <m  the 
Ami  some 
Ami  wondered 


lands  or  shoulders  gol 

>ed  in  the  incense  pot, 
where  the   herhs 
j^"  were  found 

ueh  stifling 
odors  round  : 


wmmYmm 


'i," 


1,1/ 


1111% 


^^fc^S.^-Jg^^^M^E^^^^ 


hilliMM 


MUIW  UHP  iUHIWUHl 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   JAPAN. 

More  talked  about  the  wretched  state 
Of  people,  howsoever  great, 
Who  pin  their  faith  upon  a  toy 
That  wind  and  weather  can  destroy. 
Said  one:  " 'T  is  painful  to  behold 
At  every  turn  these  idols  old, 
Though  dumb  they  sit,  a  tale  they  te 
That  thoughtful  minds  may  ponder  weU ; 
They  hint  of  millions,  strong  of  will, 
Who  blindly  grope  in  error  still ; 
There  's  work  for  pen  and  preachers  too 
Before  the  Christians'  task  is  through, 
For  many  a  purse  its  mite  must  yield 
And  many  a  teacher  take  the  field, 
And  many  a  stubborn  knee  must  bend, 
And  many  an  earnest  prayer  ascend 
Ere  every  idol  in  this  place 
Has  tumbled  headlong  from  its  base." 
Thus  moralizing  as  they  ran 
The  Brownies  traveled  through  Japan, 
In  the  Mikado's  gardens  strayed 
Where  flowers  bloomed  and  fountains  played, 
While  mirror  lakes  and  well-tilled  ground 
Formed  pictures  fair  for  miles  around. 


Nolo  ujell  tal^e  Hje  road  orjee n\ore 
Orl]er  regions  to  explore. 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   THE 

POLAR    REGIONS 

Eighteenth  Stage. 


on  their  homeward  way  at  last 
The  Brownies  through  wild  regions  passed, 
Where  Ice  was  piled  and  breezes  blew 
That  baffled  many  a  daring  crew. 
Bnt  Brownies,  brave  in  every  clime, 
Pushed  on,  nor  lost  one  moment's  time. 
Fresh  from  the  sunny  Land  of  Tea 
They  tramped  across  a  frozen  sea, 
Where  fish  to  few  temptations  rise, 
And  have  small  practice  catching  flies. 

Said  one:  "This  land  of  northern  lights 

And  shooting  stars  and  lengthy  nights 

Of  which  explorers  often  rave. 

Or  dream  about  the  icy  wave 

That  lies  around  the  Pole  so  vast, 

Where  no  one  yet  has  anchor  cast. 

Is,  after  all,  scarce  worth  the  cost 

Of  noble  lives  that  still  are  lost 

As  expeditions  strive  in  vain 

From  year  to  year  this  point  to  gain. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   THE   POLAK   REGIONS. 

But  still  the  time  will  come,  no  doubt, 

"When  men  will  find  all  secrets  out 

And  feast  their  eyes  upon  this  sea 

So  quickly  found  by  you  and  me. 

We  need  no  map,  nor  chart,  nor  plan, 

Because  not  limited,  like  man, 

To  knowledge  passed  from  hand  to  hand; 

Through  ages  long,  the  Brownie  band, 

In  ways  peculiar  to  the  race 

With  all  requirements  keep  pace." 

Reviewing  thus  the  region  cold 

That  has  such  wonders  to  unfold 

In  icy  island,  gulf,  and  bay, 

That  maps  may  show  some  later  day, 

The  Brownies  various  methods  tried 

By  which,  to  cross  the  country  wide ; 

They  turned  to  use  whate'er  they  found 

To  aid  them  as  they  journeyed  round. 

The  cunning  band  some  dogs  secured, 

To  cold  and  hardship  well  inured, 

And  on  rude  sledges  void  of  art, 

In  which  large  skins  played  leading  part, 

They  traveled  over  many  a  plain 

That  bold  explorers  sought  in  vain ; 

While  others  had  the  luck  to  find 

Some  reindeer  of  the  strongest  kind, 

That  could  be  trusted  to  proceed 

O'er  roughest  ground  at  greatest  speed. 

In  different  ways  the  hardy  deer 

Was  made  to  render  service  here; 

136 


Till:    HKoUNII'.s    IN    Till'.    I'ol.AK    REGIONS. 


il  tlje  coldest  land 

.you'll  find 
Hearts  are  offer)  ojArni 
o  n  cl  k  i  n  d . 


Would  find  themselves  through  joll   or  twist 
A   mile  behind  ere  they  were  missed. 
Bu1  do  tiol  think  the  band  would  press 
Ahead  and  leave  them  in  distress  — 
X<>;  quick  as  they  could  bring  about 
A  halt,  they'd  answer  to  the  shout 
Of  those  who  for  a  time  were  placed 
Alone  upon  the  dreary  waste. 
For  brothers  from  one  truudle-hed, 
Who  at  one  disli  have  broken  bread 
Before  a  proud  and  loving  mother. 
Are  not  more  prompt  to  aid  each  other 
Than  are  the  Brownies  to  assist 
The  poorest  member  on  the  list. 
Thus  on  they  went   o'er  plain  and  hill 
Without  a  thought  of  change  until 
They  reached  a  milder  clime  that  gave 
More  freedom  to  that  northern  wave. 
On  cakes  of  ice  that  floated  free 
The  Brownies  then  put    out   to  sea. 
To  cross  a  gulf  or  open  bay 
That  in  the  line  of  travel  lay. 
Said  one:  '"We've  been  on  boats  before, 
And  on  a  raft  two  weeks  or  more. 
With  only  slippery  logs  to  keep 
Us  from  the  monsters  of  the  deep, 
And  thought  the  trials  falling  fast 
Around  us  ne'er  could  be  surpassed, 
But  when  one  comes  to  take  a  trip 
Upon  an  iceberg  for  a  ship. 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   THE   POLAR   REGIONS. 

That  neither  has  a  rudder  stout 
Nor  spreading  sail  to  help  him  out, 
But  drifts  at  random  to  and  fro 
Whichever  way  the  tide  may  go, 
He  '11  not  be  anxious  to  extend 
His  pleasure-trip,  you  may  depend." 


-=a^= 


«CoX 


Then  heaving  up  through  holes  in  ice 
Would  rise  the  walrus  in  a  trice, 
And  fill  each  Brownie's  heart  with  fear 
That  happened  to  he  beating  near. 
Sometimes  a  bear  that  thought  to  make 
A  landing  on  a  floating  cake, 
Would  start  at  once  a  tumult  great 
And  cause  the  band  to  emigrate 
Without  delay  to  some  new  place 
In  hopes  to  shun  his  close  embrace. 
Thus  dangers  at  each  step  they  found 
While  through  that  region  floating  round 
They  had  good  use  for  ears  and  eyes 
And  nimble  feet,  you  may  surmise, 
But  where  so  many  heroes  go 
To  find  a  winding-sheet  of  snow, 


THE    BROWNIES   IN   THE    POLAR    REGIONS.' 

And  icy  caskel   that  will  last 
Until  the  resurrection  blast, 
The  Brownies  hardly  could  expecl 
To  find  their  way  with  roses  decked. 


JKTOMIT^^ 


Will.... 


'  AiL^IEH,  COX 


Sometimes  surprises  of  a  kind 
Quite  different  would  stir  the  mind: 
A  ship,  abandoned  by  its  crew 
Long  years  before,  would  come  in  view; 
<  hi  tins  the  Brownies  were  not  slow- 
To  climb  about,  their  skill  to  show, 

141 


THE   BROWNIES    IN    TEE    T'OEAE    REGIONS. 


Or  strive  to  study  out  with  care 
What  expedition  left  it  there. 
At  length  against  the  darkened  skies 
They  saw  rough  Mount  Yerstova  rise, 
Clad  in  its  robes  of  white  and  gray 
And  overlooking  Sitka  Bay, 

142 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    THE    POLAH    REGIONS. 

And  then  ;i  town  appeared  in  sighl 
On  which  they  gazed  with  greal   delight, 
For  o'er  l  he  wooden  cast  le  old 
A   Wanner  brighl   a  story   told 


<  >r  ownership, 

that    all    the 
hand 
Were  sharp 
enough  to 
understand. 
An  eagle  with  its 

pinions  wide 
Was  hovering  o'er 
their  nation's 
pride, 


And  on  the  instant  such  a  note 
Of  joy  as  swelled  each  Brownie's  throat 
Because  they  had  been  spared  to  stand 
Once  more  upon  the  glorious  land 
From  which  they  bravely  started  out 
To  travel  all  the  world  about. 


So  there,  while  high  the  flag  of  red 
And  white  and  blue  waved  overhead, 
In  songs  of  praise  the  band  combined. 
And  then  one  Brownie  spoke  his  mind  : 
"Through  dangers  that  came  thick  and  fast 
The  Brownies  round  the  world  have  passed. 
Contending  with  misfortunes  still 
And  overcoming  every  ill, 

143 


THE   BE0WN3ES   IN   THE   POLAR    REGIONS. 


sgrouiirij!  spare 
p  wity  jireAfer  care 


Thus  teaching  lessons  day  by  day 
That  may  be  useful  in  their  way." 

Dear  reader,  now  the  task  is  through. 
But  ere  we  part,  a  word  to  you  — 
Yes,  you  who  traveled  hand  in  hand 
AVith  me  to  watch  the  Brownie  band. 
And  listened  with  attentive  ear 
The  prattling  of  the  rogues  to  hear, 
And  patiently  surveyed  the  lines 
The  pen  has  traced  in  these  designs, — 
May  you  prove  always  stanch  and  true 
To  comrades,  and  to  neighbors,  too. 
Be  brave  when  trials  fast  descend, 
And  persevering  to  the  end, 
And,  Brownie-like,  you  may  be  blessed- 
They  seldom  fail  who  do  their  best. 


V/cHi  afnjnelly  ^ovs  of  I?<inc1. 
/Vow  re  tires  rl;el3rouJni'e  band  , 


